ARCH HILL GULLY DRAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 154, 29 June 1907, Page 6

ARCH HILL GULLY DRAIN.

A conference of delegates of local bodies interested in the Arch Hill Gully Drain was held last night in the office of the Eden TerraceEoad Board for the purpose of considering the advisability of again introducing in Parliament a bill to deal with the construction of a sewer in the Arch Hill Gully. There were present:—Messrs. J. Jenkins and F. Rowe (Arch Hill), J. H. Garratt and D. Doull (Eden Terrace), J. Farrell (Mayor of Grey Lynn), __, Coyle (Mt. Albert), C. J. Tunks (Mt. Eden), and G. Knight (City Council). Mr. J. Jenkins was chosen chairman. He said it was just seven years since the first conference was held to deal with this important question. At one time they thought everything was settled, but it was thrown back again owing to the fact that certain plans were not available. The real reason of the present meeting being called was because the engineer was pressing for his money, which had now been owing for a considerable time. At the Conference on the city drainage question held last week, it was practically decided' that the city should take up the question of constructing this sewer as part of a comprehensive drainage scheme for Auckland and the suburbs.

The Secretary, Mr. Haselden, next gave a brie/ history of all the proceedings taken hitherto in respect to the construction of the sewer. The liabilities owing totalled £45 1/7.

The Chairman said the best thing would be to pay their debts. He moved that the Conference proceed no further with the bill, but wait to see if the city would deal with this sewer. Meanwhile, they must allocate the liabilities and pay them.

Mr. Coyle seconded the motion,

Mr. Coyle referred to a letter which had appeared in the daily Press, practically hinting that the blame for the delay was due to the Hon. G. Fowlds. They all knew that was quite untrue- In fact, Mr. Fowlds had been most energetic and interested in the matter.

Mr. Farrell said he agreed with Mr. Jenkins because it was also hinted in the letter that one or two local bodies had helped to kill the bill. As far as Grey Lynn was concerned, they had been willing to do a fair share for the. purpose of doing away with this nuisance. The Chairman said that both Mr. Fowlds and Mr. Bollard had done their utmost to push the matter forward. As a matter of fact, Mr. Fowlds was so annoyed that the bill was thrown out that he telegraphed asking him (the chairman) to try and get it again introduced. Mr. Farrell said the bill was sent to Mr. Fowlds, as member of the district, and he was sure that gentleman did his best, just the same as he was sure Mr. Bollard had done all he could to help them. The Conference had nothing to do with party spirit. (Applause.) The motion to drop the bill pending action by the City Council was agreed to. The sum of £5 was voted to the secretary for past services. The liabilities were allocated between the diff exeat bodies, end ordered is be jaid.