EMPTYING LAKE ST. JOHN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 480, 9 October 1928, Page 12

EMPTYING LAKE ST. JOHN

DISCUSSION AT ONEHIJNGA The question of emptying Lake Si John was again introduced at the meet* ing of the Onehunga Borough Council last evening, when a letter was received from the Waiatarua Drainage Board stating that the council’s objeo tion was unde.r consideration by the trustees. Councillor Lipsconibe suggested that if tho City Council were asked for a plan of the proposed work, it would be found that there was no intention to drain the lake. The scheme only Included the removal of a certain amount of mud. The Mayor, Mr. W. C. Coldicutt.. said that lie had received several letters congratulating the council on the stand it had taken in opposing any interfere ence with the lake. He, however, saw no objection to draining the lake temporarily, provided it was allowed to refill itself, and »o preserve its scenfo value. Cr. F. S. Morton pointed out that a Parliamentary statute was in existence prohibiting any local body from empting the lake, and if any such attempt were made legal proceedings should be immediately instituted. The residents in the area, he said, also objected to the drainage board’s proposal.