should at once write to the proprietor of the land on the west side of Bodiam Bridge to know if he will sell about ten acres for the purpose of forming filtering beds, reservoirs and a pumping establishment”.
Ald. Rock thanked the Mayor for bringing the water question before them in so able a manner. The town had already been indebted to him for its present increased supply, and it would be more greatly indebted to him if this plan could be carried out. He (Mr. Rock) had travelled over the district a good deal over the last four or five years, and had, from observation, formed the opinion that the River Rother was the only source to be depended on. The Brede stream was often dry, and the Crowhurst stream he had seen very low. He would, with his Worship’s permission, move that the Board adopt the resolutions now laid before them. Looking back 25 years and looking forward the same number of years, he did not think it would be safe to depend on any supply to be obtained within a less distance than 12 miles. He mentioned some particulars respecting the new waterworks at Glasgow where he had been visiting. There the supply was obtained from a lake 200 feet above the level of the sea at a distance of 31 miles, and which had required five miles of tunneling to bring it to the city. The engineering expenses £640,000; other expenses connected with the work £160,000; and the compensation paid to the old companies £800,000. They had now a supply of 50 million gallons per day, which was estimated to cost 10s per 100,000 gallons.
Coun. Putland thought it would not be advisable hastily to bind themselves to any scheme, because they might then, instead of forwarding their object, much retard it. His opinion was that there would soon be a change of seasons, and with an ordinary season he thought there was water enough without going so far as Bodiam for it. There were, too, some very serious obstacles and obstructions to be removed, if they should be compelled to go there. His own impression was that the Crowhurst brooks would supply all their wants for fifty years to come. Let them look round their own district; they had not yet tried any large streams. In any case they had the water from the neighbourhood which they now used, and which, of course, would not be thrown away. He would say “Don’t pass any resolution today, involving, as it would, their opinions as to going a great way for water. Examine the neighbouring district; get all the information possible; then have an engineering scheme and an -
