MANUKAU WATER SUPPLY TRUST.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 228, 27 September 1898, Page 3

MANUKAU WATER SUPPLY TRUST.

THE ONEHUNGA SPRINGS,

PROPOSALS AT NEWMARKET AND

PARNELL.

A deputation consisting of Messrs Samuel Hesketh and Edwin Hall, from the Manukau Water Supply Trust, waited on the Newmarket Borough Council last night, with reference to the proposal to supply Newmarket with water from the Onehiinga Springs. Mr Hesketh asked whether they would take the water from Onelmnga, and what price they were prepared to pay. The price to the Board had been fixed by the Onelmnga Council at Scl per 1,000 gallons, with a minimum of 50,000,000 for the first year. The Board's engineer stated that the cost to the Onehunga Borough would be about 6d per 1,000 gallons, so that that body would make a profit of 2d per 1,000 gallons. It was proposed to build a reservoir on One Tree Hill, which would be kept full by the Onelmnga Borough. The cost of the mains to the Newmarket boundary would be £5,000. This would be borne by the Board, and would bring the cost of the water delivered at Newmarket up to lOd per 1,000. The Water Supply Board consider 8d per 1,000 gallon was too high a price, but stated that all risk was taken by Onelmnga. The Water Supply Board did not intend to make a profit on the water. It was .considered that if the Newmarket and Parnell boroughs, the Water Supply Board, the Remuera Road Board, and perhaps one of the adjacent districts, took the water the minimum of 50,000,000 would be made up. The Mayor asked if any time were specified in the proposals. Mr Hesketh stated that the Onelmnga Council wished the Board to take the water for 42 years, with a revision of figures at the end of 10 years. The Board thought that 20 years would be long enough, with a revision at the end of three years. If it was decided to take the water it would be about 12 months before the work was completed. Mr Hesketh wished to have a reply as early as possible, as the Board meets early next week. It was decided to hold a special meeting of the Board on Monday next to consider the matter. PARNELL. Messrs Hesketh and Hall also attended at the Parnell Borough Council meeting, when Mr Hesketh laid the proposals before the Council. He said to lay the water to the Parnell boundary would cost lOd per 1000 gallons, and then Parnell would have to pay probably Id more. Some of the Councillors thought that Onehunga wanted too big a profit. It. was agreed fco refer the matter to the Water Committee.