PORT WATER SUPPLY

Evening Star, Issue 25567, 21 August 1945, Page 8

PORT WATER SUPPLY

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The matter of an improved water' supply for Port Chalmers was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Borough Council last night. After several councillors had expressed their views it was decided to instruct the engineer to expedite an investigation into the possibilities of a new scheme. The Mayor (Mr H. S. Watson) presided. A letter was received from the Otago Regional Planning Council pointing nut that a successful transition from war to peace-time conditions of employment .could be attained only if plans were made now to meet effectively the many problems which must arise. These problems were linked with supply and other factors and the Organisation for National Development was already engaged on a study of them. To prepare for these problems it was necessary at the present stage to secure a total employment budget so that the opportunities for placing returned servicemen could be fully knowfi and appropriate steps taken to meet difficulties in the labour position. The Regional Planning Council, of which the borough council was a member. had been asked to assist in a survey of employment prospects and asked for information on any development projects that were fully planned for commencement after the war. Information on deferrable 'or incompletely planned project's was not asked for. The Mayor stated that the council had nothing in hand which came within the category required. Cr Cassie pointed out that the main idea at the time was the water scheme. If particulars were available they could be put forward to the Development Council. If the engineer was instructed to produce a plan and an estimate of the cost it could be submitted to the council for consideration.

Support for Cr Cassie was forthcoming from Cr Knewstubb, who said that nothing more could be done until further exploratory work had been carried out. The engineer had already been instructed to perform this work as soon as possible, but they did not know if they could embark on the water scheme.

Cr Campbell said that the matter was a weighty one and he suggested calling a special meeting of the council to discuss it in conjunction with the engineer. He did not know of any water scheme which had been put before the council.

The Mayor: We hope for something very soon, but so far have nothing to place before the council. A motion by Cr Cassie that the engineer be instructed to expedite the scheme was carried.