THE HOPE OF DEVONPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 280, 24 November 1915, Page 8

THE HOPE OF DEVONPORT.

WATER IN ITS OWN YARD. SUPPLY AT MOUNT CAMBRIA. Within three quarters of a mile of the main wharf at Devonport is one of those scoria hillocks, whjeh are, after the modest manner of the time, called mounts. The spot in question is known as Mount Cambria. It is really-a protuberance on the foot of Mount Victoria, where the signal station; is (as well as an ornamental 8-inch gun), and is chiefly notable as a place where the Borough Council digs out scoria to keep up the supply of dust for the borough rOads. This borough quarry gained an added lustre some months ago, however, silver threads among the red, as it were, when it became known that water-diviners had felt. thrills and shivers betokening the presence of the waters under the earth in that district. In view of the. anxiety regarding Lake Takapuna the suggestion of water in the borough's own yard, so to speak, was a very soothing thought at least. The optimistic and the sceptical, the - enthusiastic and the cynical, those of great faith and those of little faith, joined forces for the time being, and connived at the boring of some 200 feet of tunnel into the heart of Mount Cambria. The belief of some and the surprise of others, was to be the tapping of a of water, to the great gratification of the Devonport Borough Council, and the discomfiture of the Lake Takapuna Board of Control. But at the end of-the drive the gush of water that was to change the whole course of Devonport's washing-day did not eventuate. There was a flow of 'water, but , not- enough ■' to justify tho installation of a pumping plant. And so | the matter has remained- in statu ■ quo until last night's meeting of the Council when the Works Committee of the Bor- j ough Council recommended that the Council consider the necessity of further testing the water supply in Mount Cambria (off Vauxhall Road) as to capacity, etc. ■ .■ The position was fully, discussed, and again both believers and unbelievers met on the common ground that it was reasonable to send a few .more pounds in search of the £400 that has;been expended already on the bore at Mount Cambria. It was unanimously agreed to refer the matter to the Finance Committee with a favourable recommendation for the work to b(! continu( ,_ at thb firgt flnan cially available opportunity.