DRAINAGE OF AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 135, 7 June 1907, Page 6

DRAINAGE OF AUCKLAND.

_:STABLISHi_EXT OF A DRAIXAC. E BOARD. VIEWS OF LOCAL BODIES.

_ Tne Auckland City Council recentiv _nvi__-d the adjoining local bodies to send delegates to a. conference for the purpose ot discussing a proposal that combined action shouid be taken in connection with the laying down of a permanent drainage scheme for the city. an the alternative of the adoption _f the Greater Auckland proposal.-. Replies were received from v number of -he local authorities cono-rned at last nights meeting of the Council. The One-Tree Hill 80-ad Board wrote that the chairman (Mr Burtouj and Messrs Devereu.. and Mc-Kinnev were appointed to attend the meeting. The Arch' Hill Road Board approved the principle of a general drainage scheme for Auckland and suburbs, and proposed to further consider the mat-. tor at next meeting. The Remuera Road Board objected to a Greater Auckland scheme, but favoured a drainage board being formed to carry out a comprehensive drainage scheme.

The Epsom Road Board saw no reason ior joining the city, but was prepared io send delegates to a conference to discuss the drainage scheme over the area outlined by the city engineer. The Mount Eden Borough Council was prepared to consider the adrisability of lormulatiug a general drainage scheme, fembracing Auckland and suburbs.

The Mount Albert Road Board was prepared .«. consider the question of drainage generally, as it affected their district. In regard to joining a Greater Auckland for that purpose, they were prepared to discuss' tie matter, but did not at present feel that they had information enough to in any way commit ihe-nselve.-.

The Mayor said that the time had arrived to take the nest move in regard to the settlement of this very important question of a comprehensive drainage scheme. With a view to bringing the matter to a finality, and in order to put the Council iv the very near future hi a position to proceed with the drainage scheme, he moved that the conference of local bodies be held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday. 19th inst., at 7.30 p.m.

Dr. Slopford seconded, and the motion was cartied unanimously. With regard to the proposal to acquire a portion or the native reserve _t Orakei as a drainage station., the following quaintly-worded letter was received from the natives of the settlement:—"We have the honour to state by the Tuesday paper of the 4th June that we read the proposed city drainage scheme. In accordance with city engineer recommendation, and also a ■considerable area of land is to be acquired in connection with the scheme of about 100 acres, before your intention to further preparation and expence, we, the undersigned owner of Orakei, strongly objecte and decline to all recommendation that affect the above native settlement reserve. Signed .**

Tiie Mayor said that a number of th. councillors had visited ihe outfall of the proposed scheme at Orakei Point, end had seen the necessity of acquiring sufficient land to have a proper sewerage farm if necessary. He thought that they should immediately take steps to instruct the city solicitor to prepare documents necessary to take the land under the Public Works Act- it was at first thought that it would be necessary to promote a local bill, but it was subsequently found that this was unnecessary. A reclamation might be necessary to secure the required area. Mr Farrell thought that it would be

to the advantage of the natives to be removed to the higher Jand.

In answer io Mr Parr, the Mayor said that the scheme had been approved by the Council. It was evident- that the scheme would have to be carried out by the city ii t-he local bodies did not come in. and Orakei was the only possible outfall. He believed that the Harbour Board would grant the necessary permission to the Council to drain into the harbour. The Mayor's motion that the city solicitor prepare the necessary documents was then adopted.

The district health officer (Dr. P_rdy>. in a- circular relating to the Arch Hill gully, said that it was unnecessary for him to add anything fur<_ber in condemnation of this open sewer to what had been said by "his predecessors on the subject, as he was aware that they were felly alive to the necessity for dealing with it. Piece he had come to Auckland he had had abundant evidence from personal inspection of the urgency of the matter, and had consulted with his chief and brought the. matter under the notice of the Minister for Public Health. He was informed That should the former bill be again brought before the House al the commencement of the session, with a comprehensive plan of the whole area. there was little doubt of its passing. "He asked, therefore, that no etlort be spared in bringing this matter forward again.

On the motion of the Mayor, the cir__iar was referred for consideration 1 o the conference on tne 19th inst.