DEVONPORT BUSINESS MEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 100, 29 April 1924, Page 8

DEVONPORT BUSINESS MEN.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETS. There was a very full attendance at the monthly meeting of the Waitemata Chamber of Commerce, held in Ford's Rooms, Devonport, last night. Mr. F. Heldt presided. Word was received from the Telephone Department that it would be impossible to instal any more clot telephone boxes in the borough till the whole automatic system throughout Auckland district was installed. A slot telephone box at Cheltenham Beach was returning only a few shillings a week because of the limited radius it served. The opinion was expressed by members that this state of things would be altered when communication with the city was linked up. Mr. J. Walsh, with the aid of maps and charts, gave a lengthy address on the water problem of the North Shore boroughs, and gave details of five schemes which had been considered. He said that it was the opinion of experts that Lake Pupuke supply could not possibly last for more than six years, considering the development which was taking place. If the lake were conserved for Devonport alone it would serve the borough for the next 100 years, but with Takapuna, with its ever-in-creasing population, and Northcote and Birkenhcad all going in for sewerage systems, lie believed the position would be found to be as stated by experts. The estimated demand of water was worked out at 40 gallons per head. He pointed out that the North Shore boroughs were no nearer a solution of their water problems than ever they were since the Health Dpeartment had turned down their last proposal of the Okura supply, as already reported in the Press. A very animated discussion took place, Mr. Henderson pointing out that the water consumption since the installation of meters had fallen from 70 gallons to 40 gallons per head. He favoured one scheme from the southern parts of the province to serve the city, suburbs and adjacent towns all along the route. Mr. Walsh was warmly thanked for his instructive address. A resolution was passed asking the borough council to actively co-operate with the Hospital Board in arranging for a suitable place to house and maintain the motor ambulance which it is intended to establish for the use of North Shore residents, as its necessity was felt to be very urgent. The question of a cottage hospital, raised by Mr. King, did not find favour with members, several members stressing the' opinion that such an institution would not be a success when the main hospital, with all its latest methods of treating illnesses, was so near at hand.