The towns of Old Ontario were many of them well established before public water supplies and sewerage were considered requisites of any progressive communities.

To avoid typhoid and other epidemic diseases most towns have installed water systems but a great great many towns like Picton have been content to do without sewerage systems. But the new communities that are established in New Ontario and in the west consider the provision of sanitary works from the very start and thus are ahead of the older towns in the east.

If we are to retain our population and attract new settlers we must keep pace with the new towns and not hesitate to provide those public utilities that are requisite for health and cleanliness. Manufacturers who are looking out for locations to establish industries consider very carefully the sanitary provisions of a town both for the needs of their own business and for the sake of their employees, as they know that settled and contented labour is only possible where provision is made for heathy community life.

In this week’s issue we are publishing letters from some of our most progressive citizens who are awake to the needs of the town. No one disputes the value of a sewerage system for Picton from a sanitary and health standpoint, but as one correspondent points out in order to discuss the question intelligently some information as to cost is essential. The whole question will have to be faced by the ratepayers sooner or later and it is well to get all the facts for consideration.

RATEPAYERS REPLY TO EDITORIAL ADVOCATING NEW SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Discussion Aroused By Question Of Sewage Disposal For Town

Several letters have been addressed to the editor of the Gazette with reference to the recent editorial advocating a sewerage system here. These speak for themselves.

Increased Property Values
Editor Gazette,–

Dear Sir:–

Your editorial as to the necessity of the town council considering the installation of sewers is very timely. The present makeshift methods of sewage disposal threaten us with an epidemic which may cost a lot of money and involve the loss of many valuable lives. Sanitary communities attract population. We hear a great deal of the many Canadians that are going over to the United States. California is a state that has attracted many Canadians and it has increased its popuation by over 50 per cent in the last ten years. In California there are no communities over 5000 in population that are not sewered and of towns of from 2500 to 5000 people, 84 per cent are sewered. If Canadians towns are to attract new population they must be op to date and no community is keeping abreast with the times that neglects to provide proper means for the disposal of sewage and garbage. Let us put our town in order and we may then attract industries and population, and the increase in land and property values will offset the cost of the installation of sewers.

W. J. Carter

What Would Be Cost?
Editor Gazette,–

Dear Sir:–

Your suggestion that Picton should consider the installation of a sewerage system deserves consideration. But as a ratepayer I would like to know what the cost would be to the taxpayer and whether any taxpayer who would not be connected to the system would be assessed for any part of the cost. There are many things that are desirable but the question is whether we can afford to install sewers in Picton. If we had some information as to the extra rates that would be involved and the cost of the system to the average lot holder we would then know whether we could support the council if they decide to present a by-law to the ratepayers for the installation of a sewerage system.

R. Davison

Fear An Epidemic
Editor Gazette,–

Dear Sir:–

 With reference to your editorial of Octoher 9th, it should be remembered that although our sickness statistics show up very well, our town is not sanitary and will not be until proper arrangements are made to dispose of our sewage and thus cleanse several well known places in town which are both an eyesore and a menace to the public health.

The Provincial Board of Health has pointed out that the efficiency of septic tanks deteriorates very rapidly and although carefully cleaned put at proper intervals, a large amount of raw sewage is allowed.to collect at the low spots in the town, forming a constant danger of causing an epidemic.

As well as the increased value it will give our property and the additional comfort it will be to house holders when they are able to install proper bathrooms in their homes. I consider that the installation of a proper sewerage system in Picton is a proper necessary undertaking.

W. Rankin.