BATHING POOL SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 185, 7 August 1930, Page 8

BATHING POOL SCHEME.

TAKAPUNA COUNCIL DEBATE.

MR. GUINIVEN'S OBJECTIONS.

"WHALES AND SARDINE FACTORY."

Noted for the humorous letters he writes to. the Takapuna Borough Council, Mr. J. Guiniven, at last night's meeting,, asked for information concerning the proposed bathing pool to be built in .'the Wairau Estiiary at Milford.. Mr. Guiniven wrote as follows: —"I would be thankful for information as to what ,is being done concerning the proposed bathing pool at Milford. There is a current ' rumour that as the enclosure, if constructed, would be teeming with small fish, that a certain Danish company, -now trawling in the Gulf, might secure the Pirate Shippe and convert it into a sardine factory. As there are no proper drainage facilities in the vicinity of the cabaret I feel a bit alarmed over the matter. If the bathing pool is constructed, I hope carc will, be exercised in keeping the diameter of the intake pipe at a minimum to prevent any whales from coming through and swallowing up our 'John-ah,' who is so indispensable to the borough just now." Councillors rocked with laughter when the letter had been read and received. Mr. Bryce Hart: Isn't it rather extraordinary that Mr. Guiniven, the very man who has been writing to the newspapers so profusely on this matter, now wants to know what has been done concerning the project? (Loud laughter.) "No, I want to know what's been done in Wellington about it," said Mr. Guiniven. Department Wants Details. The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Williamson, said that nothing more had been done. He referred Mr. Guiniven to the letter received from Mr; Harris, M.P., who advised that the Public Works Department was not prepared to subsidise the project at the rate of £2 for £1 until proper proposals were submitted, accompanied by the necessary plans. "I would like to know what such plans would cost?" asked Mr. A. 11. Wilkie. "Twenty pounds at the least. Ten pounds will be given towards that sum by a certain party," said the Mayor. Mr. Guiniven smiled. • "The sorest point with me, apart from the financial aspect of the whole thing, is that if it is erected the bathing pool will spoil the boat harbour," said Mr. Guiniven. "By building a wall we would only be converting it into a mill race." Mr. J. A. Algie said the "boating people" at first were against the scheme, but after they had seen the plans and had the proposals explained to them they had been converted. He declared that in recent letters to the newspapers, anonymous correspondents had misrepresented the actual position. The council would not be spending hundreds of pounds on the pool. It had merely offered £50 and some stone which was in the quarry. Here was a great chance to help .the unemployed ex-soldiers by providing work for them., ; Mr. Algie moved that the plans, as requested, be authorised. Mr. Colgrove seconded. Who Should Pay? Mr. Collins: I understand this scheme came from the Nortli Shore Transport Company and that it would be financed and carried out by it. Now, I have had many years' experience on this council, and we have fallen in with many schemes before. lam not in favour of this council paying for plans. Let the Transport Company pay for them. J am right against the council spending more than £50 and giving the stone from its quarry. If we start we might soon find that we have paid out £200 or £300 before we know where we are. _ Mr. Guiniven moved that no action be taken, and that the Wairau Estuary be left intact, in conformity with the evidence tendered at the Royal Commission concerning the Wairau Estuary some time ago. The motion did not i find a seconder. When Mr. Wilkie got up to move an amendment the Mayor interrupted him and said that he had a resolution which Would meet the case. He moved a resolution to the effect that the Transport Company and subsiduary amusement companies be notified that the Public Works Department required plans of the suggested scheme, and that the council would like to know the total sum which the company would contribute, also that the finance and legal committee consider what bearing the report of the Wairau Estuary Commission had on the new scheme.

Hostile Petition Threatened. Mr. 'Guiniven: There will he some political influence at work over this. I know what's behind the whole thing. I want the matter brought to a head. I can tell you I intend to tour the whole borough witty a petition, and I will get signatures of 90 per cent of the people who will be against it. "I Want the air cleared," demanded Mr. Wilkie. "Ask the Transport Company if they are prepared to finish the work at their own. expense,'* suggested Mr. Guiniven. "Let's hear the acting boi;ough engineer on the matter;, .he's an expert," said Mr. Wilkie. " Mr. Bodle said he regretted that his scheme had caused so much concern to some councillors. "So far it has not cost this council one penny," he said, "for I have paid for-the'expenses myself. lam a boating man, and have sailed boats in the Wairau Estuary for years. I was against the bridge, and gkve evidence to that effect at the sitting of the commission, but that was a bridge. This is a horse of a different colour." ■ > Mr. Colgrove said the Transport. Company was a substantial concern composed of reputable business men. "We can surely get a guarantee from the company that it will finish the job. That can be done by the finance and legal committee," he said. ■ The Mayor's motion was carried, Mr. Guiniven dissenting.