The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1909. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2459, 25 March 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1909. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Councillor Pcttie was fully justified in stating at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Borough Council that if the Council could only point to the installation of the sealed pan system they could claim that they had done good work. At the same time, it must Oe obvious to all who have given the subject attention that the work should have been undertaken long ago, yet apparently an epidemic of typhoid and a public outcry were necessary before the City Fathers could he galavnised into activity. However, it is more profitable at present to consider what is to be done in the future than what has been left undone in the past, i lieletter from Mr. Merchant raises hopes that we may yet secure an effective .sewerage scheme for Gisborne at a cost that will not involve the placing of an unreasonable burden upon the ratepayers. The amount mentioned by Air. Mar-chant as a fee for a report, £6O, seems to ms exceedingly moderate, amt the Council can do no better than promptly agree to the terms and obtain the report as speedily as possible. Mr. Marchant provisionally suggests the septic tank system, and if it can be worked in Gisborne there is no doubt it will prove immensely cheaper than the Shone system. No uncertainty exists as to the efficiency of a properly constructed septic tank, but the question is whether the configuration of the town will provide for outlets from one or more tanks. Upon this point Air. Marcliant cannot speak definitely .until he has made a careful and exhaustive investigation of the locality. In the meantime it can be said that a report from Air. Marcliant will be anticipated with a good deal ox confidence from the residents of this town, who have already formed a high opinion of liis engineering skill.