WATER FOR THE WHOLE AREA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3150, 29 July 1942, Page 5

WATER FOR THE WHOLE AREA

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Mr W. H. Taylor’s letter in your last issue is interesting. The enterprise and, forsightedness belongs, however, to earlier pioneers. Some twenty-five years ago this scheme was taken up by the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce and representations made to the Government. The Public Works Department investigated the matter and a flying survey was made fixing the dam at the junction of the Mangakino and Waitawheta streams, giving a head of some 200 i feet with the whole of Franklin’s flat as a reservoir. It was contended at the time that not only would the scheme give an edequate supply for the Plains but would also afford a source of electric power. The high pressure would also mean cheap reticulation.

The Chamber set out to arouse public interest in the matter and solicited the help of the Ohinemuri County 'Council. This august body, which controlled the Tarariki Supply, was of the opinion that we already had a good water supply, overlooking the fact that the Plains were the source of most of the town’s: business and urgently required a good water supply. As the years rolled on smaller schemes were undertaken and still the supply is inadequate. If the people of the district had possessed, vision and supported the-' idea the major scheme would have come about. Let us hope Mr McMillan will be more successful. As it is the position can be reviewed differently to-day. Fifty years ago mining was still going on in the deeper levels at Karangahake, hence' the placing of the dam at Mangakino. To-day the gorge probably could be used, the cost of construction reduced and perhaps a greater head obtained. Let us get on with the job.—l am, etc.,

D, LEACH. Paeroa, 2977/42. ,