DRAINAGE SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 56, 7 March 1934, Page 9

DRAINAGE SCHEME.

MOUNT ALBERT'S APPROVAL.

"ABOMINATION AT ORAKEI." Considerable enthusiasm was shown last evening by members of the Mount Albert Borough Council in discussing the proposals for a comprehensive metropolitan drainage scheme, to cost over £300,000, and involving scientific treatment of sewage before releasing it, off Motukorea Island (Brown's Island), also the discharge and reticulation of stormwatcr through Arch Hill Gully. Discussion arose after the council had read a circular from the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board asking an expression of opinion on the proposals. The council approved strongly in principle, with the proviso that the proposed increase of population by 1070, assumed to be 625,000, be critically reexamined, this figure being thought too high. It was also urged that the financial expenditure should not involve too great a burden in local taxation. It was decided to reserve liberty to suggest modifications to details on fuller examination of the project. Mr. Coyle, after reading a report on the scheme by a committee of experts, said that the scheme would probably be put into operation only after another year or so, the delay being caused by staffing, Government legislation and the drafting of detailed plans. In supporting the proposals, the Mayor, Mr. R. Ferner, said the plan should cost the borough only about £1500 per annum, which would not be unreasonable for the services rendered. It would embody only the dry-weather period, when the comparative small amount of rainwater did not sufficiently dilute the sewage matter, and it would be in use for six or seven months of the yci\r. "The entrance to the Waitemata Harbour, with its beaches and commerce, should not be allowed to be polluted any longer by this abomination at Orakei," said the Mayor. He was in favour of an Auckland and Suburban Drainage and Water Board being formed, to have control over the whole system of treatment and disposal.