BLACK’S POINT WATER SUPPLY

Grey River Argus, 17 April 1947, Page 8

BLACK’S POINT WATER SUPPLY

Sir. —Since “Resident’s” letter appeared in your paper, the Inangahua County Council have asked the County foreman to report on the possibility of a water supply for Black’s Point, using Auld Creek as a source. Councillor McGregor said the residents were anxious to secure a regular supply and were not only prepared to pay a rate, but also to contribute towards the initial cost. It is good to learn that a water supply is now to be considered for Black’s Point township, but I don’t know why residents here should bear the initial cost Did Reefton residents contribute to the initial cost of the Reefton supply. From all accounts they did not. Yet they used after a few* weeks dry weather, to be always concerned about their domestic water supply, whereas during the last few months dry weather they have had enough clear crystal watei* to flood their gardens and croquet lawns. Residents have to thank the Grey Power Board and the shallow well sunk by the ratepayers’ staff In the last few months the residents of Black’s Point can also boast of the Grey River running past their doors, but they have to cart their water. Yet I don’t think any resident would hesitate to contribute to the initial cost of sinking a shallow well, say twelve feet, and of a ten h.p. motor, and pipes to connect with the homes, to secure the same clear waters as Reefton now obtains. Why tinker any more with the old creek source? The creek water well served its purpose, in the absence of any better water, but user of the swimming bath declined creek water, preferring the clear variety for bathing. The annual cost of the clear and unlimited article would be less than the creek supply, but even if it were more it would be preferable. It is worth the cost of the foreman’s time and staff, and for fluming and piping. There is no doubt Black’s Point, like Reefton and Crushington will extend now that Mr Bill Morris has sold to the Government his railway, and his Burke’s Creek and Bain colliery. These places have all at their door a cheap power, and could have from shallow wells and small pumps an unlimited flow of excellent water. Houses already are rising up fast upon Reefton’s valued spaces. It has been the lament of the former County engineers that no electrcity was available to exploit the veritable lake of water filtering through the gravel beds, whereas that water can now be had for all those townships in as large a quanity as they wish at a fraction of the cost in fluming, pipes etc. Nevertheless a councillor and three local people still advocate on that old supply that is so unreliable. It has been proved that the older country engineers were right and that you cannot in a dry season obtain an extra cup of water from the old source. On the contrary, in our driest season Reeftc nites have remembered and adopted the method derived by the late engineers of tapping the splendid under-ground supply—and at a low cost —thanks to electricity. I am etc., 'Another Black’s Point Resident.” NELSON-GREY TRANSPORT COSTS. Sir, —My attention has been drawn to the leading article in your issue of the 10th April, together with a report on an address delivered by Mr R. T. Rutherford, organiser of the Progress League Campaign to fill the gap. Mr Rutherford has made a statement that therFwill be a saving of £35 per 1000 cases of tomatoes between Nelson and Greymouth. Would you be good enough to ask Mr Rutherford if he would give details of his costs as we are unable to reconcile his figures in any way with the present combined road and rail costs. I am. etc., P. S. BOYES, General Manager. Transport (Nelson) Limited,