THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13151, 25 June 1908, Page 2

THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.

SELVTN COtJTfIY COUNCIL'S NEW SCHEME.

The water supply system was again the subject of considerable discussion at the meeting of fcoe Selwyn County Cou-ncil yesterday. Mr Bedford moved:—"That the minutes passed on May 30tih to place the Gorge scheme together vrMi the Sandy Knolls scheme, before the ratepayers be rescinded." He said they had discussed the proposal too hurriedly when they had previously met, and further information to that supplied by the engineer showed that the scheme was not desirable. Mr "Witty seconded the motion. He thought, however, that the two schemes should be amalgamated, in which form he thought the people in both districts would vote for it. He was informed that a 5-foot race, or perhaps 10-foot, was all that was necessary, for the Sandy Knolls scheme; instead of the 15-foot race. He did not think the raoo need go through private property at ull. They should obtain an estimate of the cost of taking 15 feet pea , second along the Terraoe, end' let it be worked in conjunction with the Gorge sclieuKJ Mr Wilson maintained that the engineer's latest report was simply a rehash of tho old proposals. They wanited the Sandy Knolls race, which" tho en- , gineer bad stated would cost £1500. Mr Scott pointed out that tho engineers estimate was for a permanent scheme and not for a temporary one only. If they raised the £15,000 loan it might not be iiieoessory to spend it all. The work would bo most difficult to carry out by contract. He would have to support the Sandy Knolls scheme, however, if the supply was in danger of being stopped l . Mr Wolfe also supported the motion, and advocated putting the necessary work in hand at once. The Chairman (Mr Duralop) sand that by following the course proposed, tho Council wouJd not have such a permanent sohemo as they had adopted in tflie first place. He would support any scheme to got a better water supply immediately. Mr Bedford said h© would rather the vote was on the Sandy Knolls scheme alone, so that they could get on with the matter as quickly as poseible. If that we.ro adopted, the water would bo brought a mile further west. Thero was no real difficulty about making the race. It would bo the cheapest, and the work could be done the quickest. Tho motion was carried. Mr Bedford thon moved:—"That a proposal I/O put before the ratepayers to raise £1500 for the Sandy Knolk /scheme." He said that, judging by the opinion expressed by the Council's solicitor, alternative schemes could not be placed before the ratepayers. The motion was seconded by Mr Witty, j>ro forma. Mr Witty then inored as an, amendment:—"That the Engineer immediately draw up plans end specifications for concreting the Gorge race along the Terrace only, the' race to carry 15ft per second, capable of being enlarged, tho scheme to be worked in conjunction with the Sandy Knolls proposal, this race to carry 10ft per second, the latter work to be put in hand immediately the ratepayers sanction the proposed loaa. 1 ' If the Sandy Knolle scheme only were adopted the lower people would be content, and miffht r>oseibly not vote for any subsequent scheme benefiting the upper district. They must work the two schemes together, as it would be illegal to have two alternatives. He advocated the contract system for carrying oufc the wonk. After further brief discussion, the amendment was carried without dieeent.