ARTESIAN WATER

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 13

ARTESIAN WATER

Supply For City From Gear Island READY NEXT SUMMER The work of sinking wells at Gear Island for the purpose of obtaining an artesian water supply for Wellington City is to be put in hand immediately, in accordance witli a resolution of the City Council last night. The city engineer was instructed to prepare plans and specifications forthwith for the pumping plant required. The Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, said there had been too much delay with the work at Gear Island. The lack of progress had been a considerable disappointment to him. Every effort had got to be made to ensure that the supply from the island was ready before next summer. “We must insist that this be done forthwith,” said Mr. Hislop. Cr. C. H. Chapman emphasised the need for economy in the use of the present supply. A great many leaking taps should be put in order by tlie council.

“But for the bickering of two small local bodies we would be using time water supply to-day,” remarked Cr. L. McKenzie. "We should not be restricted by small boroughs, and powers should be given to big cities beyond the powers of smaller bodies in instances such as these.” Cr. It. McKeon said there was a certain amount of alarm at the effect of using water. There had been a great deal of dyseutry about the city, and the water supply had been blamed for it. He did not know whether that was true or not. The council should utilise the artesian water bores on Gear Island.

Cr. T. Brindle said lie thought the council should consider the development of the catchment area at Kaitoke. it would be advisable for further in formation to be obtained. Tlie Mayor mentioned later that the city engineer was ready to go ahead, having now received a free hand. He anticipated having the water in WeJ lington by next summer.