NOT DECREASED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 110, 11 May 1943, Page 4

NOT DECREASED

WATER DIFFICULTIES NOT ENOUGH CO-OPERATION Difficulties in connection with the Auckland water supply have not decreased, and in the absence of rain the position is deteriorating. Rain over the week-end increased the volume of flow hi the main streams on the Ranges, but it was recognised that it would be temporary assistance only unless there was more. The Mayor, Mr. Allum, said this morning that until there was heavy rain the utmost precautions would have to be taken. It was disappointing that the public, who would be seriously inconvenienced unless there was improvement, had, on the whole, not co-operated by making the necessary economies. It was true that some citizens were helping, but not sufficient to affect the position appreciably. , , , Mr. Allum added that there had been a reduction of 3,000,000 gallons in the main Nihotupu Dam since yesterday. That had to be checked if they were to avoid discontinuance 01 the supply and resorting to the use of standpipes in the streets. The matter was now entirely in the hands of the people, and it was for them to co-operate and prevent the position from getting more serious. The chairman of the works committee of the Auckland City Council, Mr. Bailey, said that in spite of appeals for economy, consumption over the week-end, when most industries were not operating, had been 9,000,000 gallons a day. That offered little hope of a reduction this week, unless there was a united response and assistance by the public. City officials are m-ging householders to collect as much rain water as possible by placing cans or tubs beneath downpipes. Even with slight showers a good deal of ram water can be collected by that method and stored in laundry coppers and washing tubs.