WATER SUPPLY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4823, 20 April 1925, Page 4

WATER SUPPLY.

HAUBAKI WEST AREA SUPPOKI

PIOLL TO BE TAKEN

About fifty settlers of the Hauratti Plains West water supply area assembled at the Ngateu Hall on Friday, last, to hear details of the proposed scheme explained by Mr E, F. Adams, the council’s watei] supply engineer. All parts of the district were well represented. Mr G. T. Davidson presided.

Mr Adams read his report to the council as published in the “Gazette, and explained it with the' aid of a large scale map.

QUESTIONS ON THE COST. 'Jr. C, W. Parfitt was asked to explain the cost to consumers. He stated that 3600 acres of land near the Waitak&ruru-Maukorp canal had been cut out of the area, thus reducing the total cost by about £lO,OOO and the liability to U/id in the £. The council. would submit a charge at the rate of Ss per grown beast and half that amount for young stock, plus.a flat rate to ,inake up any deficiency. In reply to Mr Neate Mr Walton explained that application had been made for a subsidy. A letter had been received from the Minister for Lands stating that the scheme was satisfactory. Gauging was necessary to ensure the rights of the riparian owners, and this had been carried out. Mr Adams had stated that the requirements would be 300,000 gallons a day, and recent gaugings had shown up to 925,000 gallons in the stream.

Cr. McLoughlin explained the reason for adopting the method of charging on the basip of the number of animals on. a section.

Mr Walton explained the necessity for striking\a 4%d rate as security for the loan and the advantages of the proposed basis of charges according to the requirements.

In reply to Mr A. J. Andrews Mi W:.ilton said that the only legal method of getting a reduction in the drainage rate was to form a drainage board, as had been done at Horahia. There was no limit to tlie amount of rate levied by the Lands Department, but a limit wits imposed on drainage boards.

Mr Andrews pointed out that if settlers had some assurance that rates would not be increased tffey would be more ready to incur further liability. There was no doubt of the great benefit of fresh water, but if other rates were to bcome excessive the question would become involved. Various speakers stressed the great advantage of fresh water, and the gain, after paying for the water, in the increased, return obtained. Several speakers characterised the method of charging by the number of stock as crude.

Cr. Parfitt stated that he would have liked a flat rate of 4%d or 5d in the £, but the council would not agree to that, ■ as it hit the small man and the man who did not carry stock on his farm. Mr Schwartz raised the question of districts desiring to come into the area in a year or iso. Mr Walton explained that the Wnter Committee had considered the matter and had agreed to sell water if available as an extraordinary supply.

Mr Bratlie asked if the matter of filtering the Piako River water had been considered. Filteration produced purer water, and there was an unlimited supply available. -Ie was not against the proposal, but favoured a big scheme that would supply the whole of tlie district.

Mr Adams said that the question had not been considered, as there was the danger of pollution from towns up 'the river. River water wais not used for domestic supply purposes unless there was no other sourceavailable.

Tn reply to other questions Mr Adams explained that the Waitakartiiu water would be fit for drinking, and would be supplied to the Ngatea factory and charged for at a commercial rate, which would reduce the cost to land holders.

Mr Walton pointed out that the proposed scheme was cheaper than the one to bring water for the whole of the district- from Waitawheta by about o quarter.

In reply to Mr. Bratlie Mr Adams explained that there would be ample water available. The reticulation permitted 80,000 gallons more than the estimated consumption per day. The pipes would supply a normal day’s requirements in 10 hours. Mr. J. W. Neate moved that this meeting of ratepayers of the Hauraki Plains West water supply area adopt the scheme brought down by Mr E. F. Adams and adopted by the County Council’s Water Supply Committee; that a poll of ratepayers be held immediately, and that the Council efideuvour to obtain a subsidy. Seconded by Mr G. French.

In reply to Mr Burke Cr.. McLoughlin said that his experience had proved that there was more chance of getting a subsidy after the loan had been authorised. Government departments were more favourable to helping those districts that showed an inclination to help themselves than those whi.cn were always asking fox* grants and subsidies.

As an amendment Mr A. J. Andrews moved that this meeting is not favourable to taking a poll until some definite information in regard to a subsidy is forthcoming.

'Phis was seconded by Mr L. M. Mu; ray. and on being put to the meeting was defeated by an overwhelming majority.

On the motion being put it was carried. only two voting against. INTERNAL RETICULATION.

Cr. Parfitt explained that the loan proposal did not include internal reticulation. This would be a charge on the individual, but the Council had considered the proposal of indenting pipes and retailing them to ratepayers. By this* means the cost would be reduced to onerthird or bne-half.