FOXTON WATER SUPPLY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 847, 2 June 1910, Page 2

FOXTON WATER SUPPLY.

Our Levin contemporary, in an \ article on the proposal to supplv_ M Foxton with water from the Levin • source, says that “ an opinion prevails in some quarters that Foxton people will hesitate a while before they sanction the tentative proposal of their local body to have a water supply provided from the Levin high pressure system. This expression of opinion is being uttered by some Levin residents who say they are basing it upon some previous failures by Foxton burgesses to seize chances of betterment that have been placed in their way. Time will show what Foxton will do with her latest opportunity, but to us the proposal seems so advantageous a one lor the Foxton community that we are prepared to prophesy now that Foxtouians will seize upon it with both hands, so to speak, when the opportunity arrives. The only cause likely to prevent the scheme for joint use of the Levin mains being given effect to is a possibility of the Levin burgesses becoming doubtful as to the capacity of these mains to meet the double drain throughout an extended period in which much increased populations will congregate in each town. The official figures published in the Chronicle of Friday last should result in the position being made clear, and it seems to us there is little or no likelihood of the present system falling short of the requirements for many a year to come. One matter has been made abundantly clear —and that is the fact that the Ohau river will be capable of supplying for all time the needs of both these centres of population. If there is to be any insufficiency experienced, it will come about in consequence of the limitations if the pipes which now carry the water. Possibly it would be a good thing if this borough made a stipulation that at the end of the term of twentyone years the whole matter must come up for review. Conditions by that time are sure to be materially altered from what they now are. It might even be thought advisable to include in the agreement a proviso that whenever the drawoff to supply Foxton reaches a quantity sufficient to cause concern to this borough it shourd become incumbent upon both boroughs to bear a portion of the cost of putting down an extra main. To include such a provision in the contemplated agreement might, however, jeopardise the acceptance of the whole scheme ; and, all things considered, we are inclined to advise the authorities to let that matter lie unsettled in the lap of time. ’ ’

MAYOR GARDENER INTERVIEWED.

In view ot the importance of the question of Levin supplying Foxton with water, a representative of the Chronicle waited on the Mayor on Monday, to obtain his opinion on the matter. Mr Gardener is thoroughly conversant with the question, and answered the questions of the reporter without hesitation.

Mr Gardener, you being ughly conversant with the water supply, would you tell me, in your opinion, if there would be any danger of the water failing should satisfactory arrangements be made with Foxton, asked the reporter.

I have no hesitation in saying that there would not be the slightest fear of the supply ever failing, and I not only base my faith on the engineer’s report, but also on personal observations. I spent three days exploring the river on the ranges some three years ago, and although no rain had fallen tor six months, there was a splendid flow of water in the river, which is led from many smaller streams. When one takes into consideration that very little, if any, snow water finds its way into the Ohau, it can be easily seen that the flow is a permanent one. And, then again, the Council has taken all steps to conserve the supply. They bought nearly 700 acres of native bush lands, so now the water passes through maiden bush. This stops the sun from pouring on the river beds, which means that a very large percolation takes place. And then again we are told by the engineer that if we/ took, say, a million and a-half gallons per day, it would only take 4. per cent, of the flow, and surely that is little enough; and if the population increased in both places to a total of 10,000 (which is not likely) we should only use half a million per day, leaving, with the capacity of our present pipes, a million per day to come and go on, Mr Gardener, how do you account that at some dry seasons the river runs almost dry by the Ohau bridge? I think undoubtedly this is caused through the forest being felled on each side of the river from a certain point. The bush should never be allowed to be felled, and on this experience the borough has wisely purchased bush land, so as to protect their portion. I feel confident that even if there were ten times the water coming into the river at a certain point it would be lost again further down the river for the causes already stated.

Is it possible for Foxton to obtain a supply ol their own ? Yes ; I understand that Shannon is one of the places mentioned, but the question they have to consider is whether it is obtainable, unless by going to large expenditure in the form of head works, purchasing land, and, last, but not least, can they obtain the same pure supply as Devin. We have unquestionably the best and purest water in the Dominion running

into Levin, and any borough will be fortunate to obtain it.

There was some proposal to arrange with Foxton to have some government over the head works ? Yes; that was so, but this council thought the most satisfactory way would be to supply Foxton by meter, and I feel sure this is the best way. Foxton would, by this means, know its position. They would not have to pay for any maintenance within our borough, and no charge for additions should occasion arise.

Do you think Foxton will seriously consider the position of a water supply from Levin ? Yes, I do. They have a good lot of thorough business men on their council, and in my opinion they will place the question before the people who will have to decide. They have a good case, and if they handle it in the proper way —I am sure they will —and if the people are serious in wanting the water, I have every confidence that they will take their supply from Levin. It is quite a usual thing for one borough to supply another. I suppose it will assist Levin in its financing if Foxton takes the water ?

Yes, without doubt, it will be a good source of revenue. Do you think Foxton will get good value for their money ? As to a price, I am not in a position to name at present, till Foxton considers the offer, and, in conclusion, I heartily trust that satisfactory arrangements can be come to, because I can safely say that the advantages to both will be mutual.