SEWAGE DISPOSAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1945, Page 8

SEWAGE DISPOSAL

SCHEME FOR RUNANGA. Following informal discussions on various methods of the disposal of sewage in the Borough of Runanga, where there has never been any organised system, a letter was received from the Superintendent of State Mines at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Runanga Borough Council setting out details of the cost of a night soil system, estimates for which have been prepared by the Department. It was stated that estimates were also prepared for a sewerage system, but the cost was prohibitive. . The Mayor stated that he understood the cost of a complete sewerage scheme was £82,000. The capital outlay on a night soil system is given in the Department’s estimate at £2,805, the cost per annum at £968, or, on the basis of 500 houses, about £2 per household. Capital outlay includes the purchase of a lorry, sanitary tins, a 400 gallon tank, purchase of land, access road etc. The scheme envisages the disposal of night soil by plowing in, and suggests two suitable areas, one at Rapahbe and the other at Coal Creek. Particulars are given of similar schemes at New Brighton, Nelson and Denniston, where the annual charges range from £2 to £2/15/-. It was considered that the scheme could be operated by one man. Cr. Wright said that Runanga wanted a decent sewerage scheme, and not an antiquated system. The Mayor said the high cost made a complete sewerage scheme out of the question. The only other alternative was groups of houses served by large septic tanks. The night soil or pan system Was in use in many towns in New Zealand. Cr. Wright said the experience in other towns was that the group septic tank system was offensive in dry weather. Cr. Braithwaite said the Department had shown an interest in Runanga’s problem, and he thought before condemning the scheme, it would be better first to find out to what extent the Department would be prepared to assist. It was an important question and would take some time to consider. The capital cost was more than the Council could afford. He suggested inviting the Department to arrange for their surveyor, Mr. Hutchinson, to meet the Council and discuss the scheme. The Town Clerk said she knew that the Minister (Mr. O’Brien) was interested in some action being taken to provide a service for Runanga. On the motion of Cr. Braithwaite, seconded by Cr. Barrow it was decided to ask the Mines Department to what extent it would be prepared to assist the Council in such a scheme.