COX'S CREEK DRAINAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 57, 8 March 1910, Page 7

COX'S CREEK DRAINAGE.

"BLUFFED AND HOODWINKED."

PLAIN T.VLK AT GREY lATvNT.

The usual discussion took place once more at the meeting of the Grey Lynn Borough Courcil regarding the nuisance caused by sewage deposited in the intake at Cox's Creek. A letter was read from the town clerk, Auckland, stating that the city sewers wore to be constructed, an if the storage matter wns to be carried further, Mr. Hush suggested a timber flume 2300 ft in length, to the west side of the bridge, at an estimated cost of £1150- The ] otter also pointed out that 335 acres of the city drained into Cox's Creek, and 6..0 acres of Grey Lynn, the proportions b:ing 35 per cent to 65 per cent. Mr. J. A- Warnock reported that Cr. Donald and himself, together with Dr. Jfakgill (district health officer) and the borough engineer (Mr. H. Munro Wilson) net and inspected the sewer outfalls at Cox's Creek. Dr. Makgill said their condition was absolutely insanitary, and that somcthirg mast be done. Dr. Makgill said he saw absolutely no reason that the work of carrying away the sewage should not be proceeded with, as proposed by Mr. Wilson. In answer to a question put to him. Dr. Makgill paid a flume generally leaked all through the summer, owing to the shrinkage of the timbers. Mr. Munro WiLson explained his proposal to the health officer, who said that while at present it would temporarily carry off the sewage, still, when the intercept] sewer crime along to take the sewage, the other one would still be needed to carry ofT the storm water. Dr. Mikgill explained that the theory of six to one did not fall in with the. heavy downpours of rain in Auckland. Dr. Jlakjrill explained that although the water mixed with the sewage, the stuff was still in an insoluble state, and when it was spread over ground it would be dangerous to health. Dr. Makgill promised to see Mr. Bush, and report to the Council. Mr. Warnock said ho asked the health officer if it was likely to cause typhoid. Dr. Makgill said that diphtheria was a greater danger than typhoid, as they could never really trace typhoid to such places. Still, he considered such a state of afTidrs might create conditions which would cause the fever to spread once it did occur. The Mayor said according to Mr. Bush the City Council had reports from both Dr. Valintine and Dr. Purdy in regard to this matter. He moved that the City Council be :isked for copies of those reports. Mr. Bush had "videntry got in touch with Dr. Pnrdy, who had written to him (the Mayor ) stating it had been reported to him that it had been said that he strongly advocated Mr. H. M. Wilson's scheme. Dr. Purdy stated he had considered, that scheme to bo in the main for the reclamation of land. Dr. Furdy also pointed nut that that end of the borough could never be salubrious until the present offensive trades were removed, which would, of course, he a question of compensation. Tie advised the Council to press forward the completion of the sewer. TTe also pointed out that he Hail definitely reported that the cause of the outbreak of typhoid was an nn insanitary nightsoil service. The Mayor said he conld not understand Dr. T'urdy's present letter, unless Mr. Bush had been in touch with that gentleman. Mr. Garland said that there was one solution to the question, which was to take out an injunction against the City Council for loosing offensive matter in the borough. When the intercepting Fewer came along the City Council would disclaim any liability. This was simply a case of bluff, but they were not going to be "bus) much longer, if he could help it. Mr. Warmock said until they had a certificate from the registrar vesting the intake in the Grey Lynn Council they would have no standing n.t law.

The -motion to ask for reports from the City OonTK-il was nsrrei-d to. It was further derided that Mr. Bush's suggestion re a wood flump bo referred to the engineer. Mr. H. M- Wilson, for his report, consideration in the meanwhile to be deJt'rred.