OTAKI’S WATER SUPPLY.

Otaki Mail, 23 March 1923, Page 3

OTAKI’S WATER SUPPLY.

IS IT EFFICIENT?: THE ENGINEER SAYS “YES.”

A meeting oi‘ the Otaki Borough Council was held in the Borough Counicil Chambers last night, when a notice of motion “That the matter of grauting Bolton wheels be re-opened” was tabled by Or. Cockrell. In speaking to the motion he pointed out that it had been decided to grant one ap- ! plication subject to the pleasure of the Council, which meant that no one v. ould go to tlie expense of making an installation. The public were now uondoring if the water-supply was goto bo as good as stated. It was stated that the supply was to be good enough for ten years and if this' statement was true water should be available for power, lie considered each application for a Pelton wheel should be treated on its merits and permission given for wheels to be put in

for three years. Cr. Kilsbv (acting-Mayor) considered three years too short a term. C'r. Cockrell thought if the scheme was going to be inefficient it would pay to jmt in larger pipes. He would like the ratepayers to be assured that there would be sufficient water for power. Personally, he had been assured by the Engineer that there would bn ample water for gardens, therefore there should be enough water for Pelton wheels. He was anxious to see revenue seemed from the water supply. Cr. Broadway seconded the motion. Cr. Kilsbv pointed out that Pelton wheels were running all day in Levin tit £lo per year.

Cr. Bills asked if the Council would be responsible if it failed to give water

for a term specified. Cr. Broadway did not. think it advisable to guarantee water for a term of years: by doing so the Council would make itself liable for compensation.

If there was no water for Pelton wheels he thought there would be a shortage for gardens, lie understood the Engineer’s report to say there would be plenty of water. Cr. Cockrell asked where would the

water from power run to; if run into 'die gutters the pu'blic would complain, while it was not desirable, that it should be run through the seweragepipes. Cr. Kilsbv said if water was to be granted for Pelton wheels it should be for a- term of ten years. Cr. Carkeck: If our supply > s to be as good as that at Levin, as our Engineer says, we will be alright. If we

aunut guarantee it to be equal then lit out the Pelton wheels.

The Engineer said every word contained in his report would be true. There would, he contended, be more water than Otaki would ever want. Touching on Pelton wheels he suggested they 1m installed during the pleasure of the Council only. There should be a restriction on power. The ■nipple, according to his report, was 'or domestic supply and lire fighting. There was nothing to prevent Pelton wheels being jnit in for a time, but, at the same time he did not cater lor Pelton wheels. There was no fear of

ihc scheme not coming up to expectaiious; there would be plenty ol water :'or gardening purposes, but still I lie 'ouncil :liould be cautious, and every application for power should be treated hi its merits. He would gamble that :he scheme would be n success and be

juite efficient for domestic use. gardens, lid fire lighting, while a fair amount would lie available for power.

(Jr. Kilsbv said he fully expected here would be plenty of water for power. In answer to a question the Engineer maintained that, tlie present pipes would be sufficient and that there would be no need for larger ones. Cr. Broadway: Rather than have a /•rv for water we should cut out. the

Peltou wheels. Or. Taylor said there had been a suggestion that water lie sold to those outside the Borough boundary, but he v'onsidcred it should not be sold to outsiders till the ratepayers of the Borough had their requirements attended to. It' possible ratepayers should be given the benefit of Pelton wheels. Cr. Kilsby said lie thought the present pipes would supply power for the time being, but the Council had to look twenty years ahead. He agreed with Cr. Taylor that the ratepayers should have their wants attended to before outsiders were allowed water. Cr. Broadway said the Council had passed the Engineer's plans and should abide by them. Ho would favour going on with the water scheme, as mapped

out and cut out applications for power. It was suggested that no water be allowed the hospital, railway, or Raimi factory. It was also thought t-hat by refusing water to outsiders it would force Te Mnnuao residents to link up with the Borough. The latter, however, caused a remark to be made that the Borough would be better without

Te Manuao. The "Engineer again emphasised the fact that lie was confident of the | scheme, but maintained applications for , Pel ton wheels should be considered on their merits. There wouW be plenty of water for unite a number of wheels, and some applications could be granted. He favored the Rahui factory, hospital, and railway coming into the scheme; it would prove profitable having these bodies as water would be running to waste. Cr. Bill* stiid it would be advisable to wait for the water, sec what was t vailable. and then consider applications for Pe.ton wheels. It was decided that no water be sold outside the Borough until the ratepayers ’ requirements for domestic purposes and gardening were satisfied, and that applications for Pelt on wheels be considered on their .merits.