ARTESIAN WATER

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 138, 12 June 1936, Page 7

ARTESIAN WATER

GEAE ISLAND SCHEME

GRAVITY DEVELOPMENT

Attention was drawn by Councillor P. M. Butler at last night's meeting of the Wellington City Council to the statement in the report of the City Engineer (Mr. K. E. Luke) on the artesian water scheme from Gear Island, that it would seem that a major gravity development would have to be considered within a year or so.

While admitting that the council must be ready when the time came to meet additional calls on the water supply the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) said he did not think the council need be concerned with plans for a gravity scheme for a year or two.

The Mayor said that the report referred to a gravity scheme because no one for a moment had suggested that the artesian scheme would be adequate for 'all time. The artesian scheme would do for approximately ten years. There was little doubt that it would, but it was necessary to be ready with a gravity, scheme to meet requirements when the time came. Even if the artesian scheme were to suffice for years it would still be a good proposition, for the total cost was only about £18,000, which was less than the interest on a gravity development for one year. Councillor C. 'H. Chapman, M.P., con- ! gratulated all connected with the artesian scheme, particularly as it had •cost"less than the estimated amount, it., was necesary, however, that the Wellington people should always be ■assured of an adequate water supply an<| they . must always look to the future. It. would not do to sit still Simply because the council had instituted a 1 scheme which would probably serve the purposes of the city for the next four or five years, which was a very short time in the life of a city. At the same time he felt that everyone connected with the artesian scheme was deserving of congratulation.

The J Mayor. said that when the artesian 1 scheme was brought down the recomrtieridation was that it would serve the purpose lor ten* years—an Estimate which was very much on the safe side. "We must, look ahead, of course," added the Mayor, "but not too far ahead.. I don't think we need worry for a year or two."