CHRISTCHURCH DRAINAGE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27415, 30 July 1954, Page 12

CHRISTCHURCH DRAINAGE

HOUSE CONSIDERS RATING BILL

MR MACFARLANE AND MR LAKE SPEAK

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 29. The Christchurch Drainage Board, which was elected on the ward system, had to meet a rapid expansion in population and housing, said Mr R. M. Macfarlane (Opposition, Christchurch Central) in the House of Representatives today, when the Christchurch District Drainage Amendment Bill was read a second time. The board had been under fire for not keeping up with population increases, but the criticism was not altogether fair, because after the recent war the board shared with other local bodies the shortage of men and materials. Mr Macfarlane explained that the

reason for the bill, which gives the board power to levy a consolidated special rate, was that the 'necessary expenditure of large sums had to be approved in certain areas in Christchurch. Ten years ago New Brighton, then with a population of 8000 to 10,000, amalgamated with the city, and

as a result the Drainage Board was committed to a large scheme of work. The bill set out that the board was empowered to levy a consolidated rate in place of any special rates, and also gave discretionary powers to determine in which areas the consolidated rate

would apply. Mr H. R. Lake (Government, Lyttelton) said that Christchurch was expanding at the rate of 1200 new houses a year, and the Drainage Board was

unable to connect a large number of these new homes. The board was engaged on a big expansion programme and erecting relief sewers. One. known as the southern relief sewer, was almost completed, and plans were in hand for the construction of the northern relief sewer.

The Drainage Board was also pressing on with the task of erecting pumping stations.

“The treatment of sewage in Christchurch is a model, in which other towns are very interested,’’ Mr Lake added. Recently the board had extended its engineering staff and much planning was being done to cope with the city’s expansion. The board had the benefit of the advice of experts brought to New Zealand by the Auckland Drainage Board. “I no* think that I am talking out of school when I say that those

overseas experts were perfectly happy with the Christchurch Drainage Board’s planning,’’ he said. “They made numerous valuable suggestions, but the over-all scheme had their approval’’

PARLIAMENTARY DAY (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 29. The House of Representatives today spent most of the afternoon discussing local bills before proceeding with the Budget debate. Among seven local bills given a second reading was the Christchurch Tramway District Amendment Bill. Explaining the bill, Mr R. M. Macfarlane (Opposition, Christchurch Central) said it was required to give the Christchurch Transport Board power to acquire land and buildings under the Public Works Act. The bill was supported by other Christchurch members. '

The Christchurch District Drainage Amendment Bill, which empowers the Drainage Board to levy a consolidated special rate, was also read a second time.

Four back-benchers took part in the Budget debate, which will be resumed tomorrow, when the House will sit at 9.30 a.m.