WAIHIRERE WATER.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 316, 17 January 1902, Page 3

WAIHIRERE WATER.

(To the Editor of the Times.)

Sir, —While rummaging among some old records at the Borough Council Office yesterday, I came upon an interesting report of a Water-works Committee which was set up by the Council some 21 years ago, and from which I make the following extracts :—“ Tho Committee, after dealing with the cost of the scheme, amounting to £24,662, go on to report as follows : They are also of opinion, after ■well considering the carefully-prepared report of the Borough Engineer, that water in sufficient quantities could not be obtained from tho Waihirere source at a cheaper rate than tho one mentioned. Taking these facts into consideration, your committee are of opinion that attention should bo directed towards the Waimata river in the hopes that a less expensive scheme for obtaining a water-supply may be found practicable.” The report is dated 16th May, 1881, and signed J. Townley, Chairman. Now, is it not strange that our worthy Mayor and the then Council should. 21 years ago argue that water in sufficient quantities could not be obtained from Waihirore when the population of Gisborne was many times less than it is to-day, with Kaiti and Whataupoko used as large sheep runs ? If it was not sufficient for Gisborne in 1881, it is not sufficient in 1902, and let us roject it with the same wisdom and forethought with which the Council and ratepayers rejected it in the past, and look to some other more fruitful source.—l am, etc., W. Douglas Lysnar.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, —I attended a committee meeting last night, in the belief that it was for ratepayers who could bring arguments for or against tho water and drainage scheme, but I was soon disillusionised, for as soon as the members of the committee heard of my opinions they gave me to under-

stand that opponents were not wanted there. I am not an opponent of water and drainage, but from my long residence in this district I feel that I am justified in saying that Waihirere will never be a success, for the reason that there is not sufficient water there to provide for even the present population of Gisborne. If it can be stored for six to eight months of the year there might be a sufficient quantity, but in that case it would simply be a breeding ground for eels. It would be better stored in tanks, which could be kept free of eels and could occasionally be cleaned out. If tho borough wants a better supply thoy can get it from Wharekopae, from which source the water could be diverted into Gisborne in an open race. At the meeting last night, excepting Mr Miller, and perhaps a couple of others, there was not a man who has been in the place more than ten years. —I am, etc., William Bailky.