BIRKENHEAD DRAINAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 611, 13 March 1929, Page 16

BIRKENHEAD DRAINAGE

NEW LOAN PROPOSAL RATEPAYERS - CONSIDER

A public meeting convened by the Birkenhead Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association was held in the council chambers at Birkenhead last evening to consider the proposed new drainage scheme for the district. Mr. A. Hadfield, deputy-Mayor, addressed the meeting in reply to questions of the association asking for enlightment on the proposed sewerage scheme and equipment for fire-fighting in the borough. Mr. Hadfield said that as soon as the consent of the Loans Board was received the council would explain the proposals to the ratepayers at public meetings. In answer to questions, the deputvMayor said that the Health Department had approved of the scheme. The plans, with silght alterations, had been approved by the Auckland Harbour Board, and it was expected to have the plans back from the Loans Board at the end of the month. If the loan was carried, the engineer could call for tenders within a week. In connection with fire-fighting, he said that a loan in 1923 for £3,000 was rejected by a small majority by the ratepayers, and the present arrangement is with the Northeote Fire Brigade, which was subsidised by Birkenhead. What was wanted, ‘in his opinion, was a joint brigade for the two districts. A question was asked as to how Lake Takapuna would fare with the extra water required if Birkenhead carried the drainage proposals. Mr. Hadfield replied that as Devonport, Takapuna and Xortlicote now had sewerage, and as there was a North Shovo Water Board to look after the water supply, he did not think Birkenhead should stand out.