Council’s Discussion

Northern Advocate, 5 October 1938, Page 5

Council’s Discussion

“The flood proven don problem is the first major work to have been under the consideration of the works committee since the new council was formed," said Cr. L. Reynolds, chairman of the committee, in moving the adoption of the report. “In some cases the engineer has departed from the original scheme, and where he has done so I think it is of importance.’’

Cr. Reynolds saial that the engineer had allowed very safe margins for the quantity of flood water to be dealt with from the various areas, and ample provision had been made. “I have wondered many times why the Central Park swimming pool was constructed with such a sharp bend,'* he continued. “It was simply looking for trouble." °

Cr. Reynolds thought that the proposed alterations at the park would result in a swimming pool which would be a decided acquisition 1c Whan gar ei

Loss of Park Lawns,

It might have been suggested that in order to preserve the lawns it would have been better to have made the, proposed cut in the form of a conduit, but there would always have been the possibility of this becoming choked with logs and debris during heavy floods. “It is a pity to do away with so much grass area, but this will be more than compensated for by the. enlarged pool, which will be the envy of a number of towns in New Zealand,” he said.

The engineer’s proposal to instal a dewatering pump to cope with the overloading cf the sewer system during flood time Mr Reynolds considered to be the most effective and economical method of dealing with the matter. Cr. Reynolds said that the proposals hall been carefully examined by the works committee, which was unanimous in its approval of the scheme. The plans, if put into operation, would, he thought, be a marked success. Tribute tc Engineer. “The public should be told that Whangarei has an engineer who is not only a most capable man, but is also an enthusiast for his work,” commented Cr, J. W. Parkin, in seconding

the adoption of the report. Mr Cromfe had devoted long hours to the preparation of the scheme, which reflected great credit upon his efforts. As a newcomer to the locality, he had done very well to grasp the situation so readily.

“The council and staff are very often used as a chopping block, and I think that in this case they should be given the praise that is due," he concluded.

The proposals were adopted by the council. ■

Financial Arrangements,

On the motion of the Mayor, Mr W. Jones, the council decided to give notice that at its meeting to be held on October 25 it would consider a motion to borrow £30,800 for the purposes cf the scheme, the amount to be secured by a special rate of .742 d in the £ on the rateable value cf all rateable property within the borough.