H.—3l.

and from the expression of opinion that I hear on all sides I have every confidence that the poll will be favourable. The night-cart has to serve only nine houses in the borough. These houses cannot be connected until the new drainage works are un fait accompli. Clive, Meeanee, and Taradale. These townships are much in statu quo. Taradale continues to increase in population, is healthy, and fairly clean. Havelock. Havelock is increasing in size and population. It is still under the jurisdiction of the Hawke's Bay County Council, but it cannot be long before a Town Board will be formed. Most of the houses on the hills have provided themselves with water from the springs about, but those on the flats are dependent on rain-water tanks. There is no drainage at present, but when the Town Board materialises no doubt these matters will receive attention. Hastings. Hastings has progressed in sanitary matters. There has been no advance in the drainage system since the commencement of the year, but more advantage has been taken of the existing sewer. During the past year 74 houses and business places have been connected with the sewer. I think that this is a record, and the remainder of the owners of houses situated within 100 ft. of the sewer have all had notice to connect, and the work is in hand, and will be completed shortly. I am glad to be able to report that the public opinion in Hastings seems to be favourable to the extension of the sewerage, and I hope that before the year is out work will be commenced in this direction. Drainage is much needed in some parts where it is not at present available. I regret to say that much of the plumbing work which is done in Hastings is bad. The plumbers are not altogether to blame ; those who hold the purse-strings demand cheap work, and this is incompatible with excellence. Till recently the rule that the plans and specifications of all new houses about to be erected in the borough should be submitted to and passed by the Inspector of Buildings, has been more honoured in the breach than in the observance. On my representations this has been altered. The Council now insist that the plans and specifications of all buildings that it is proposed to erect shall be submitted to the Inspector, and have instructed their Inspector that the specifications of the plumbing-work should be up to date, and carried out according to those specifications. I would suggest that there should be a Dominion qualification for plumbers, and that any plumber putting in bad work should jeopardize his license. j | The Council have several schemes for a public water-supply for Hastings, and I hope that the excellence of the scheme which is ultimately selected will be commensurate with the deliberate care taken in its choice. Nothing can prevent Hastings from growing into a large and important town, and it behoves the present residents to look ahead, and so scheme that the sanitary arrangements of the present day will be homogeneous to and not clash with those of the coming generation. Waipawa. This newly formed borough has the luxury of a public supply of good water, sufficient for its present and future needs. On the 30th January last a poll of the ratepayers was successfully taken to permit of the borrowing from the Treasury of £8,700 for the purpose of carrying out the drainage scheme designed by Mr. Metcalfe. The Council expect that the money will be handed over shortly, and hope to have the work completed in about twelve months from now. The Inspector of Nuisances appointed by the Council, is an energetic and conscientious officer. The Council are anxious to give effect to any suggestions and advice for the betterment of the town, and, as a consequence, there have been many changes for the better in Waipawa, Waipukurau. This pretty township is increasing and improving. The petrolite gas which I mentioned in my last report is now in full working-order. It is too early to be sure that the profits derived from its sale will be sufficient to pay the interest on a loan for water and drainage. In the meantime Mr. Metcalfe has submitted schemes for both. I hope that the ratepayers will see their way to raise the money that is needed, and]start the work during thejpresent year. Ormondville. The nuisances created by the Town Board, Railway, and hotel drains have been abated, in accordance with the requirements of the Department. There has been a pretty sharp epidemic of scarlatina in Ormondville, with 4 deaths. Norsewood. There have been a few cases of diphtheria in this township during the past year, all due to defective local sanitation. These have been reported on, and the nuisances abated.

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