THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14210, 5 November 1909, Page 5

THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

THE £5000 SUBSIDY.

ALL DETAILS ARRANGED.

REPAIRS TO THE BIG PUMP.

[by telegraph.—special cokkespondent.]

Wellington, 'Thursday. A deputation from the Thames Drainage Board and Deep Levels Committee( consisting of Messrs. C. Hudson (chairman of the Drainage Board) and.the Hon. E. Mitchelson, had an interview this evening with the Minister for Mines (Hon. R. McKenzie) in regard to the Thames deep levels scheme, and the question of the break down of the big pump.

In regard to the deep levels scheme, .it was found that the only point of difference between the Deep Levels Committee and the Minister ivas the latter's stipulation that the £5000 to be advanced by the Government should be repaid by the various companies interested, should they be successful in getting gold. The Minister stated that the Cabinet was quite decided in regard to this provision, and the deputation accordingly agreed to it. They informed Mr. McKenzie that r they were authorised to complete negotiations* and he promised to have the documents ready for them to sign to-morrow.

In respect to the repairs required to the big pump (which will probably cost some £1500), the Minister at first declined to make any grant, but the deputation pointed out that the pump was Government property, and that the companies interested were quite unable to provide the necessary amount, as they had already made their estimate and supplementary estimate for the year. On the matter being pressed by the deputation, Mr. McKenzie said he would

recommend Cabinet to grant a £ for . £ subsidy up ; to £750 towards the cost of repairs. He asked the deputation to put their request in writing, and said that be would bring the matter before Cabinet, and probably announce the result on Monday next.

The deputation have received valuable assistance in regard to their mission from the Hon. Jas. r McGowan, the late Minister for Mines. ~..""....