would arise from that quarter. He expected a reply on the following day. – Coun. Putland cautioned the Board against the expenditure of money on such a high level reservoir, contending that a new one at a height of about 100 feet, the present tank would be sufficient for some years to come, whilst with another tank they would need another engine, and would be pumping up water to a height of 250 feet, eight tenths of which would be drawn off at a level below 100 feet.
Another Waterworks Phase. Certain gentlemen appeared before Mr. Ranger, the Government Inspector, when he was at Hastings, in opposition to the Board’s application for sanction to borrow money, telling him that they were arranging for the purchase of the Eversfield Waterworks. The Inspector gave them to understand that it would be illegal for them to do so in their official capacity as overseers. At the Council meeting above stated the Clerk reported the receipt of a communication from those gentlemen, and the Water Committee recommended that those gentlemen be informed that the Board could not interfere in their parish matters. The said communication was worded thus: - “To the Local Board of Health. – Gentlemen, - We presume you are aware that we have agreed to purchase the Western Waterworks for the supply of water to the West Ward. In so doing, it is not our intention to act in contravention of the local authorities, but simply as a protective measure to secure a cheap and excellent supply of water to the inhabitants. Our object for the present communication is to solicit your approval and assistance to further our endeavours to promote the welfare of the town. The terms on which we have agreed to purchase are those last offered to the Local Board. We trust the members returned for the West Ward will support us in carrying out our undertaking, and we hope to have the co-operation of the East Ward members as well, the more so as the revenues arising from the West Ward are greatly increasing and help to support the well-being of the borough at large. We are of opinion that the Western Waterworks should be preserved exclusively for the West Ward and that the members of the Local Board returned by the West Ward (together with the different parishes of the West Ward for the time being) should be the directors and committee of management. Your serious consideration of these matters for the benefit of the borough, and your reply will oblige your most obdient(sic) servants (signed by) Messrs Polhill, Walder, Shotter and Davis, the committee appointed by the inhabitants, 5th Sept, 1860.”
Coun. Howell informed the Board that Messrs. Polhill and Walder had disclaimed being purchasers of the works, and that they signed the paper when brought to on the understanding that the other parishes would join.
