ROYALTY ON WATER.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 60, 11 March 1915, Page 6

ROYALTY ON WATER.

A TAKAPUNA PROPOSAE.

„ TO BUY ON STRENGTH OF - DIVINATIONS. A proposal that the Takapuna Borough Council should acquire the land under 'which water -diviners have proclaimed water to exist was brought before the local body last night. Mr. E. JS. Grimwade was given leave to bring forward a resolution .that the 'Water Committee should be empowered to obtain the land in -question. Mr. Grimwade stated that the Council's solicitor was instructed to get an option over the property. They were unable to get the option at the time. Two water diviners had indicated that water was there, and had given the- opinion that it Would not be drawn from the Lake. Since that time the lake had continued to go down, and in view of the present 'position, any hesitancy the Water ComImittee had previously held should be put on one side. As it 'seemed probable that something [serious would happen next summer unless something were done to effectually increase the supply, he thought that [steps should immediately.be taken to, acquire the land.

The Mayor (Mr. W. Blomfield) strongely opposed the resolution on the ground that the whole question of the supply indicated by the diviners was problematical. There wag no certainty either as to whether water would he I there or as to the quantity. On the most I hopeful estimate the sapply could only be a temporary one, the biggest estimate lof the diviners being 28 million gallons. Mr. Blomfield further contended that the 'expenditure "was -more than the Council [should undertake. When the proposal 'to buy the land was first mooted it was suggested by one of the vendors that' the [Council should pay a royalty on the [water pumped. i Mr. Grimwade replied tbat Otabubu [had installed a station and reservoir for something over £1,000. •

Dr. Fullcrton opposed the resolution advocating that before purchase was made the opinion of an expert engineer should be taken as to 'the probable depth available.

To this Mr. Grimwade retorted that water diviners were recognised as experts by the majority of .j-coplc in ZSew Zealand.

The Mayor suggested that a reported supply at Albany should be tested in preference to Mr. Grirawade's proposal, and a report obtained on the cost of reticulation and a water shed.

TJltimately Mr. Grimwade asked leave to defer his motion until there was a further attendance of councillors. Only five members -were present, and this was granted.