TAUPO WATER SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19126, 18 September 1925, Page 11

TAUPO WATER SCHEME.

CITY COUNCIL'S ATTITUDE.

RECONSIDERATION URGED.

NO CHANGE IN POLICY. The attitude of the City Council to the proposed Lake* Taupo water supply scheme was a matter introduced to the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, yesterday by a deputation representing the City, West Ratepayers' Association. Mr. A. G. Jarrett referred .to the movement to bring Taupo water to Auckland and said the City Council had decided in a somewhat offhand manner not to entertain the matter. He respectfully suggested that the decision rested with the ratepayers and not with the council at all. When the Nihotupu dam was opened, it was stated that, unfortunately, there was not sufficient water, to last for more than eight years. Assuming that the proposed Huia dam would supply the same quantity of water, the council would be compelled, in 14 years' time, to look abroad for a better and finer water scheme. Already the council was talking about filtration at Waitakere, but at Taupo there was a reservoir made by the Creator, with one of the finest filters possible. In the summer the melting snows would keep the water cool enough to kill delfeterious matter. Advantage should be taken of this great gift. He had never seen water clearer or. purer than that at Taupo.

"This matter was, before the council ten years ago," said the Mayor, in reply, "and after mature consideration, the council decided on the development of Nihotupu and Huia." In July of this year the council was asked to associate itself with the scheme,, but refused, and he was not justified in again submitting the issue to the council. He was not criticising the Taupo scheme, but the council had decided not to join in. The, council felt quite justified in the policy which it had adopted. He realised' the necessity for filtration, and that would give water quite as clear as Taupo water at no great cost.