At the request of the Chairman, the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin) had prepared a plan and estimate as requested by the Local Government Board. He estimated

of laying out the land at £998 6s. and the cost of two additional flushing chambers at £30, so that to meet the requirements of the Local Government Board they would want an additional £1,028 6s.

Mr. Brawn protested against any application for sanction to borrow this £1,028 6s. as the whole of the land at the outfall would not be needed for at least ten years.

The Chairman - It would not be necessary to spend the money, even if we borrow it, until we require it.

Mr. Brawn: If we get the money we shall spend it. There is no necessity for the money all at once. I think £500 would be sufficient to develop all the land that we shall require for the present.

Mr. Denton thought it would be well in such a matter as the sewerage to have a little money in hand to do what was required instead of drawing it from the rates.

In answer to several members, the Surveyor said that the ground at the outfall would never make a model sewage farm, as it was too heavy.

Mr. Mortimer said it was

for a sewage farm at all.

The Chairman: We have got the land now and we must use it.

Mr. Wilkins thought that opinion was changing as to the value of clay land for a sewage farm.

Mr. Brawn: I would rather go in for pumping.

Mr. Mortimer: It would be a good thing to use this land for a brickyard. (Laughter)

Mr. Denton: The Council could make its own bricks. (Laughter)

Mr. Spencer thought it was a pity the Local Government Board should compel the Council to take this action and practically apply for a loan of another £1,000, but the Board were masters of the situation and he did not think they would sanction the previous application of the Council for borrowing powers unless the Council agreed to their present request.

Mr. Brawn (to the Surveyor): After you have spent this £1,000 on the land do you think it will be adaptable for a sewage farm?

The Surveyor said it would not be very adaptable, but he did not think pumping was at all to be commended. Pumping was a more serious expense every day. Sewage was very heavy matter and required a lot of lifting.

In answer to Mr. Miller, the Clerk said the Council had made themselves

of the loan previously applied for.

The Surveyor: Draining and cultivating the land at the sewage farm will always improve it.

Mr. Brawn: It is perfectly water-logged, now. It does not matter how you drain it; you will never be able to get the water off.

Mr. Wilkins thought they were perfectly helpless. Unless they acceded to the suggestions of the Local Government Board, they would not receive permission to borrow the first loan. He moved that the estimates of the Surveyor be adopted, and that application be made for sanction to borrow the additional £1,028 6s.

Mr. Miller seconded.

The motion was carried. Mr. Brawn did not vote.

Mr. Mortimer: If we borrow the money, we are not bound to spend it?

The Chairman: No.