TWENTY DAYS’ WATER REMAINS FOR GISBORNE-HOSING CONTINUE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22570, 25 February 1948, Page 4

TWENTY DAYS’ WATER REMAINS FOR GISBORNE-HOSING CONTINUE

QNLY enough water to meet the demands of Gisborne for the next 20 days remains in the Mangapoike dam and the Waingake Stream. Should no rain fall during that time pumping from other sources will have to be resorted to, to fill the mains in the Gisborne Borough.

This was reported by the engineer, Mr G M. Beaumont, to last night s meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council, when a move was made by Mr G. J. Jcune, supported by Mr F. Tolerton, to rescind a former resolution- allowing the use of hoses, and to prohibit hosing entirely. Little support was forthcoming from other councillors however, and it was decided that the matter be deferred until the next meeting of the council. 14 days hence, the engineer to watch the situation closely in the meanwhile, and call n special meeting of the council should 'he situation grow worse. In his report to the council, Mr Reauinont stated that the rainfall at Waingake this summer had been the lowest since recordings were first taken in 191.5 and this was reflected in the (low of the streams. Previous estimates of the stream flow had been as low ns at present, but no records of accurate gaugings as low as the present were known. 7,700,000 Gallons a Week Supplied ' The present flow from the Te Arai catchment area is at the rate of 3,500,000 gallons per week," stated Mr. Beaumont. "The Mangapoike Stream at the pump-house is estimated at 000,000 gallons per week, and the (low in the iower Te Arai Stream, at the point where an auxiliary pump is usually coupled in. is about 400.000 gallon per week. These flows total about 4.500,000 gallons per week "In the dry period in February, 1940. with severe restrictions on the use of water, the consumption was reduced to about 5,400,000 gallons per week, and it is unlikely that the present consumption could be reduced below this figure without cutting off the supply entirely in portions of the borough for a number of hours each day. "By using the water stored at the Mangapoike dam file supply this year has been maintained at an average figure of 7,700.000 gallons per week. Had this supply not been available drastic restrictions would have been necessary, and even then, it would probably have been necessary to pump about 1,000.000 gallons per week from the Waipaoa River. “The volume of'water in the Mangapoike dam has now been reduced to such an extent that the present rate of consumption can oe maintained only f or about another 20 clays," stated Mr Beaumont. ‘ If heavy rain does not fall soon, drastic restrictions will be necessary. "It is worthy of note that this summer Gisborne is one of the few places in New Zealand where the use of hoses is allowed at all for garden purposes.”

‘‘Water Wasted,” Says Councillor. “Water is being wasted by the use of hoses and they should have been cut off since January 1,” said Mr. Jcune. During the hour they could use hoses without fear of prosecution, people were splashing water about everywhere. he contended. Mot only was it a waste, but people who deserved water were being deprived of it. Those in two-storey houses and on the upper levels of the borough were not able to obtain water mainly owing to the extravagance of those using hoses on-the lower levels. Mr. Jcune moved that the former resolution of the council allowing tiie use of hoses be rescinded, and the use of hoses be prohibited entirely. This was seconded by Mr. Tolerton. Mr. W. C. Kohn could not see that any good purpose would be served in prohibiting hoses at present. There were few people still attempting to maintain their gardens, but if r.oses were prohibited they would still use buckets of water. The situation was not yet desperate and residents should be given some consideration. The Mayor. Mr. N. II Bull, pointed out that the water position for Gisborne would not be good until the Mangapoike dams were constructed. After having gone through the worst drought at Waingake for the past 15 vears lie hesitated to entirely prohibit hoses, and be thought the matter should be left until the next meeting of the council. An amendment that the matter be deferred until the next meeting of the council, but if the situation grew worse a special meeting of the council be called, was moved by the Mayor and seconded by Dr. A. L- Singer. Mr. Jcune indicated that he was prepared to withdraw his motion provided the engineer closely watched the situation, and this was agreed to by his seconder.