MANUREWA.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 705, 7 February 1922, Page 7

MANUREWA.

WATER SUPPLY ESSENTIAL,

BEFORE NEXT SUMMER,

The Manurewa Town Boai'd is pursuing a vigorous policy as far as road construction is concerned, and at the present time many important road works are in progress and when completed will be a valuable asset to the district, but .there is one question that the Board should take up and at once, because the experience of residents of years past almost demands it, and that is the provision of a water supply. It is needless to detail the past experiences of many householders and business people particularly during .the summer months, because they can speak' for themselves. That a water supply is essential from many aspects is a well recognised fact, and the sooner the authorities realise the acute position the better it will be for all concerned. Apart from the necessity of water for domestic use, it must be borne in mind that in the district there are many model residences—residences which cost many thousands of pounds to erect. Wliat would happen if a fire broke out in any of these ? The answer is obvious. Some modern residences aare provided with a supply of water from a bore pumped by hand or with the assistance of a wind mill., If a fire broke out this source of supply is unreliable in the first place, and secondly i|t would be of little avail because the pressure to subdue flames would not be great enough. The question is where can water be obtained ? It will be recollected that some time ago the Board’s engineer provided a comprehensive report on a proposed water supply scheme from a creek some distance to the northeast of the town. The report was discussed and t v e question was raised, and some doubted it, if there was ample; water in the creek to provide the town’s requirements. Since then nothing has been beard of the pro-, posab and perhaps i.t has been allowed to drop. Had the Board realised the necessity of a supply of water it should have' taken s<teps during the dry summer months to take a test of the volume of water that could be obtained from the creek, also a sample of the water to ascertain if it was satisfactory for human consumption. Has this test been made ? If it has nothing has been made public, not as far as we are concerned.

Manurewa has had the cognomen of the “model suburb” bestowed on it but as model as it may be, it cannot have a claim on this name unless it equips itself with a water supply, a drainage system, and next electric light. From all accounts the electric lighjt will be first on the list. People can manufacture light—kerosene, benzine and air will provide light, but if there is an extremely dn period, electric tight will not provide the inhabitants wijth water. The Town Board should at once take the preliminary steps with the object of providing a water supply for the town. If the creek referred to above is too small ,to provide an adequate supply no doubt bores could be sunk and a pumping" station erected thereat, a reservoir erected somewhere on the hill and water pumped thereinto.. The Hill, on which the Board owns a scenic iteserve, would make an idea' site for a reservoir. From here a good fall could be had and the v*i*ecsure throughout Ihe district would h ' great. Wo feel sure that if steps were

taken at once, the matter placed before the ratepayers a loan would be raised, and a water supply would be assured within a very short period. As the position at present is it is unsatisfactory.