OUR WATER SUPPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 91, 18 April 1890, Page 3

OUR WATER SUPPLY.

A PROPOSED CONCESSION.

WILL THE WATER BE POLLUTED?

AN INTERESTING DISCUSSION,

Last evening at the mooting of tho City Council a long discussion took place on the report of the Streets Committee in reference to an offer of Messrs Jagger and Parker to lease from tho City Council lor 16 years at a rental of £5 a. year the right to the surplus water from tim auxiliary supply at the Western Soring, fur the establishment of a wool-MJOUrincr plant. The application has been twice referred to the Committee (or report,. On the liret occasion they reported that the Council should not entertain the oiler, and lust nigUD they reported that they saw no reason to chaise their minds and-had no further recommendation to make. Cr. Crowther, Chairman of the Committee, movod the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Cr. Swales. Cr. Ooldio said that much as he disliked to oppose tho recommendation of a committee on a matter which had been twice beforo ib, he thought there were no reasons of creat force against tho granting ot this concession. Ho could not see when he examined the place that tho proposed dam and works would have any detrimental effect on tho water supply. He would move aa fin amendment that the concession nsised for by Messrs J agger and Parker be granted upon tho terms proposed by them, it being agreed between tho Council and tho applicants that tho rights to bo granted by tho Council to them can bo withdrawn ac any time if it be found that tho concession made has had an injurious efiocbupou the water supply of the district or has interfered with Lho legal rights of others to the aforesaid water. Mr Lennox stated that he had viewed tho site of the proposed dam with Mr Goldie, and agreed with that gentleman b view; Tho water was decidedly tidal ab the spot shown them by Mr Parker. Ho would second tho amendment. Cr. Dignan said ir, was evident that Messrs Lonnox and Uoldio bad not been shown tho same sito as tho members of the Committee had been pliown, for the latter was perfectly fresh water and only about 400 feet from bho auxiliary supply. Cr. Hewson hati examined the spot and did not think tho proposed work could possibly affect the supply. Cr. Swales pointed out that tho Asylum authorities protested against tho pollution of tho water, and the proposerof the amendment wanted tho Council to push through the matter al any cost. Tho Council should not commit itsolf in any way. Let Jagtjer and Parker take all the responsibility. Cr. Crowthor pointed out that if tho Council allowed damming back, troublo

from other property owners was sure to follow. If any injury were done by tho datunung the Council would be held

responsible through its contracting with Jaggex and Parker. If the agreatnent required nil the hedgingin proposed by Cγ. Goldio, it sbon'od the Committee, to ba right in refusing to mako any agree-, raent. t

Cr. Dignon said the subject was mont important, and the Council must bo exceedingly careful in all matters relating to the water supply, They kept a largo tract of land unoccupied simply to prevent pollution of the water, and , now they were asked to allow a concession that would injure the water on tho property of others. It appeared that tho spot pointed out to Messrs Goldie and Lonccx was not the epoc pointed out to the Com-

mittec, and there was lack of ingenuousness somewhere. If the water were tidal, Jagger and Parker had no need-to apply to the Council, but it was clear the tidal water would be no use to them. Cr. Farrell thought there was too much sentimentality about tho water supply. Tboy should support tho establishment of

an industry like that proposed. The Mayor sai,d a promise- was made that no pollution should occur, but once give a horee tho rein niid_ ho iiiay gallop. Tho position was that thiSir solicitor stated that the Council had no right to prant the concession requested. All the Council could do was to say that they would not prosecute Jagger and Parker. They must remember that this water belou«ed to the city, and the Council had no business to give away trsell any right, even tho right to prosecute. The City Solicitor warned the Council of possible complications, and yot it was proposed they should bravo thoso complications for tho sake of Messrs Jagger and Parker's paltry £5 a year. Ho had visited the site with tho CoinmittCß, and there was certainly no salt water tit tho spot pointed out to him by Mr Parker, which was distant not 4CO feet from the present pumping site. Two sites had been pointed out: one inusfc bo untruo, and therefore both were unworthy of consideration. Somebody had spoke about " sentiment " in connection with the water.supply. Well, there was a good deal of sentiment about tho purity .of the city water, and they must respect, that sentiment. People would not be easily satisfied if they felt the least fear that their health was likely to be endangered by impure water. Tiioy we.c told this water was wanted for tho starting of an industry. Rubbish ! There were plenty of other streams about Anck land without fixing on this particular ono. They should treat this offer with contempt, and lie said that tho Council would do wrong if they accepted Cr. Goldio's amendment.

Cr. Lsnnox said he should like to clear Mr Parker of any appearance of deception. That gentleman had pointed out both sites to Cr. Goldie and the speaker.

After a little further discussion the amendment was put and oarried, ono or two .decliniug to vote. However, the Mayor called feradivision, which resulted aa follows :—For the amendment nine, Cra' Paterson, Wright, Coopdr, Aikin, Holland, Lennox, Goldie, Farrell and Warren. Against nine, The Mayor, Crs. Hewson, Dignan, Smith, Crowther, Grey, Trenwitb, Da vies and Swales.. The Mayor then gave his casting vote againet the amendment, which was therefore lost.

Cr. Cooper then moved a further amendment, "That the application bo granted, provided a deed be prepared and executed which, in the opinion of tho city solicitor, will protect the Council from any liability for fouling or otherwise interfering witb. the water.'

Cr. Dignan rose to a point of order. Was not this amendment the same as the one just lost ? His "Worship ruled that tho amendment was in order. x / Cr. Paterson seconded the amendment, and Cr. Cooper stated that his amendment would have the effect of throwing the responsibility on the city solicitor. Cγ. Crowther: You can't throw the responsibility from the Council to the solicitor.

Cr. Davies proposed afurfcheramendmenb, which was lost.

Cr. Cooper's amendment was then put, and carried by ten to eight, Cr. Hewson changing side* and voting for tho amendment." '■■;■./.