PROSPECTS FOR GREY VALLEY WATER SCHEME BRIGHTER

Grey River Argus, 31 August 1948, Page 2

PROSPECTS FOR GREY VALLEY WATER SCHEME BRIGHTER

Minister’s Favourable Reception Prospgcts . for the introduction of the Grey Valley water scheme were bright; according to the Mayor, Mr F. F. Boustridge, who yesterday commented upon the result of a deputation to various Ministers in Wellington last week. He said that he was accompanied by C'r. J, Hutchinson, the ' borough engineer, ,Mr Fairmaid, and Cr. R. A. Boustridge, deputy Mayor of Brunner. The chairman of the Grey County Council, Mr J. Ryall, was unable to attend owing to illness. The Mayor stated that the Cobden sewerage scheme -was also discussed, and, like the, water scheme, was sympathetically received by the Ministers. He said that the deputation was received by the Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. W. Nash, the Minister of Works, Hon. R. Semple, and the Minister of Labour, Hon. A. McLagan, and departmental heads. The Mayor said that the proposal submitted by the deputation was that, in view of the fact that the Government had promised to bring; in the water supply to Brunner and Blackball, a complete scheme could be brought through from the Roaring Meg, which should be fully investigated, with a' view to making the intake at the Roaring Meg, and the subsequent line to Blackball capable of extension to cover the needs of Brunner and Greymounth. During thfe discussion, said the Mayor, it was pointed out by the Ministers that the shortage of steel precluded the opportunity of putting the scheme into immediate operation. The deputation explained that Greymouth could provide for itself for the next 10 years, but for the period beyond that, with the growth of the town, more water would be required. Greymouth then hoped to have its own gravity supply scheme, and it was necessary that Brunner and Blackball would be connected. QUESTION OF FINANCE

The Mayor said that the question of finance was only lightly dealt with because of the necessity for further investigation and survey. He added that strong support for the scheme was forthcoming from Mr McLagan, while Messrs Nash and Semple were most sympathetic and considered that the scheme had merit in it. Mr Nash finally promised that it would be thoroughly investigated and the deputation would receive a report in due course, as to the practical aspect of it. He said the deputation had cleared the air on the suggestion that Greymouth was not interested in the 'cheme, and, in refuting that idea had informed the Ministers that Greymouth was vitally interested. It was noin ted out that if Brunner and Blackball get a water supply, they would eventually go for a sewerage scheme, and the point of discharge would be the Grey River. This would mean- that Greymouth would be faced with the difficulty of water purification. This was recognised by the Ministers and was a strong point in favour of the deputation’s arguments, said M» Boustridge. He added that they were quite content with the results of the talks, and hoped that when the Blackball scheme began, the intake at Roaring Meg would be large enough to carry sufficient water through Blackball and Brunner, to Greymouth. Mr Boustridge said he had informed the Ministers that Greymouth was not in urgent need of water because the council had received authority from the Loans Board for extensions to the water main scheme and pumping plant which would meet Greymouth’s supply for 10 years. This question was to be placed before the ratepayers in the near future. COBDENSEWERAGE Referring to the Cobden sewerage’ scheme, the Mayor said that the Ministers were sympathetic. He informed them that the scheme would cost a considerable amount of money and pointed out that at the present time, ,t was impossible for the residents of Cobden to finance such a thing. They sought the co-operation of the Housng Department, and the Grey County Council in eliminating the present septic tank system at Holland Settlement, and joining with the Borough Council to make the sewer outfall to the Grey River, Mfoich would be large enough to supply all Cobden, plus all future development of the Holland Settlement. The Mayor said that a report would be made on the whole matter at an early date.. A number of matters connected with the borough were also discussed and would eventually be considered by the borough council. royal”visit The. Mayor said the opportunity was also taken to discuss further details in connection with the Royal visit. The deputation gathered a good deal of information regarding receptions and other matters and this will be discussed at a special meeting of local bodies to be held on Thursday night. ..