Water Supply Scheme Thought Too Costly For Maketu District

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 97, 13 February 1950, Page 5

Water Supply Scheme Thought Too Costly For Maketu District

Because of the cost a proposed scheme to construct a water supply at Maketu,- near Te Puke, is not to be proceded with by the Tauranga County Council and the Department of Maori Affairs, which has shown interest in the proposal because of the number of Maoris who would be affected, is to be advised of this decision. They are to be supplied with a full report of preliminary investigations and are to be asked if they can offer a satisfactory solution to the water supply problem at Maketu. The proposal, the engineer, Mr N. G. Hansen, said, was to supply 510 persons at present and to allow for a future population of 750 in 10 years’ time. Gravity Pressure -

The method of supply proposed was a bore and pump to a reservoir on a hill, then by gravity through the main pipes. The estimated capital cost of the proposal was £6,100, stated Mr Hansen, with an annual cost of £9OO. This meant the council would require to be assured of an income of between £9OO and £IOOO per year from the consumers.

“Does any member think we will receive £IOOO a year?” asked the chairman, Mr H. B. Capamagian, after the report had been read. Cr A. E. Spratt: We would not get anywhere near that amount. Those supplied by the scheme would be mostly Maori owners from whom we do not collect the rates.