COBDEN’S WATER SUPPLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 October 1928, Page 6

COBDEN’S WATER SUPPLY

A LIVELY DISCUSSION.

The newly-elected Cobden Town Board held its first ordinary meeting last evening, and the proceedings were marred by too vigorous argument. Cr T. Tennent, a recent arrival on the Board, and quite oblivious to the fact that he “had his foot on the edge of a volcano,” expressed the opinion that something more should be done about the provision of an adequate water-supply for Cobden. With regard to the “crater,” he thought that there must be some subterranean outlet of good water there, and something could be done to further tihe idea Cr C. K. Millar wanted to know if there was any possibility of conveying water round the hill from Coal Creek.

Cr W. S. Clark (chairman) was of the opinion (someone else’s opinion, explained Cr C. Uddstrom) that a pump could be installed ,a tunnel driven though Cobden Hill to Coal Creek', a reservoir built, and thus a good supply would bo available. Cr Uddstrom said that the was feasible, but that it would necessitate the services of an engineer, and that it would not be fair to the people to start an elaborate scheme before serious consideration.

Schemes were Hung across the table at a terrific rate, until some order was established and names invited for a deputation to the Greymouth Borough Council to request particulars about Unking up with the Greymouth supply. The names were received,,' but on being asked for seconders, Cr Uddstrom wandered off into a long digression anent the advisability of consulting engineers. A wordy duel between Crs Uddstrom and J. Walker ended in the latter accusing Cr Uddstrom of lying. The accusation was heartily reciprocated by Cr Uddstrom, and uproar ensued, in which it was impossible to follow the many “compliments” flung around. Cr Uddstrom rose from the table, followed by the rest of the Commismissioners, and. put his overcoat on. The “Star” reporter then left, the Board still seeming a miniature “Tower of Babel,” arguing in • the middle of the floor.