WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1077, 18 March 1913, Page 3

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

COUNCIL CONFERS WITH

MR. SUGG ATE,

A special meeting of the Foxton Borough Council was held in the Council Chamber last night for the purpose of conferring with Mr. Suggate. civil engineer, ot Auckland, and hearing his views on the method of water raising by compressed air in connection with water supply schemes, by which it was claimed that a water supply could be installed in Foxton at a very considerable reduction on the previous estimate. There were present: His Worship the Mayor (A. J. Gibbs. Esq.), and Crs Speirs, Cbrystall, Richmond, Whibley and HannahAt the invitation of the Mayor, Mr Suggate briefly, addressed the meeting on the advantages of the compressed air method of raising water, stating that by this method the cost of installation of a water scheme for the borough would be much smaller than the original estimate. He answered several questions, and then withdrew while the Council considered the matter.

It was moved by the Mayor, and seconded by Cr Speirs, that it be a recommendation from this Council to the new Council to be elected in April to reconsider the water scheme, and also to consider any proposals that Mr Suggate, C.E., may have to make re his air lift (to be used in place of expensive pumping plant), as a means of raising water from the wells to the water tower. 1

The Mayor said his reason for moving the resolution was because the present Council was practically in its dying hours, and it was probably not wise to get a report from Mr Suggate which, perhaps, the new Council would not make use of. It was better for the present Council to make a recommendation to the new Council, and they could then go fully into the matter.

Cr Speirs said the general practice was that a Council would not undertake any new business of any magnitude during its last month in office, and he therefore considered it only a right thing to leave the question for the new Council to decide. He was very much taken with Mr Suggate’s scheme, and felt sure the new Council would give it every consideration.

Cr Richmond thought it best to leave the matter for the incoming Council, but considered the present Council should certainly recommend their successors, to give same every consideration. Water and drainage was badly wanted, and he felt sure that the ratepayers would sanction a loan if the matter were again placed before them. Cr Chrystall said he did not think any good purpose'would be served by getting a report immediately. Money was tight at the present time, and the Council would have to wait until the market was easier.

The Mayor said the scheme appealed to him very much, it being cheaper than anything they had previously had before them. The motion was then put and carried.

Mr Suggate was apprised of the Council’s decision, and he thanked the Mayor and Councillors for giving him an audience, and the meeting terminated.