THE WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19889, 7 March 1928, Page 13

THE WATER SUPPLY.

ATTITUDE OF MOUNT EDEN.

CITY POLICY DEFENDED.

NO INCREASE IN CHARGES. The remarks made by Mr. E. H. Potter, Mayor of Mount Eden, on Monday, concerning the city water supply services, were made the subject of some comment by the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, yesterday. "I consider it highly improper," said Mr. Baildon, "for the Mayor of a district to which the city is supplying water to, at the present juncture, personally criticise a proposal which, as a matter of fact, is now under consideration by the City Council, and the adoption or otherwise of which is a matter for its considered judgment. "The City Council maintains that up to the present its policy has proved souud, both on engineering and financial grounds, but the rapid increase in population and industrial development renders it necessary to expedite the works already in hand and to immediately explore all available upland sources of supply. If, however, in face of the known facts and impartial judgment of the Water Commission, accompanied by the guidance of the council's expert officers, Mr. Potter is still of the opinion that the supply is in any way unsatisfactory to his borough, nothing remains but for his council to provide for its requirements in some other direction, which, however, would be a financial calamity, as it would impose an additional and unnecessary burden over an area which must ultimately come under one control."

No Bestriction on Industry. Commenting on the question of the charges iotf water, Mr. Baildon said there had been at no time any suggestion of an increase in the cost of water, either to the citizens or to local bodies supplied by the council. It would be time enough for Mr. Potter to comment on this aspect of the matter when there was any suggestion of an increase in price to his borough. It might be recalled that the city was now supplying filtered water to Mount Eden, and had not asked for an increase in price, notwithstanding the extra cost to the city. The City Council had also offered to supply the North Shore requirements, and there was no question or suggestion of retraction of that offer. "It is somewhat difficult to follow Mr. Potter in his many ideas as to the source of a suitable water supply for Auckland, as he appears to change his opinion from time to time," Mr. Baildon continued. "Perhaps even Arapuni may not be his final choice. It is surprising to note the remark that market gardeners and horticulturists are forwarding a petition to the Prime Minister asking for the provision of a better source of supply, in view of the fact that notwithstanding the extreme dry spell prevailing during the past four and a-half months at no time was there any limitation of supply for any industrial purpose, nor were horticulturists or market gardeners ever placed under the slightest restrictions so far as the City Council was concerned. Dignity in Discussions. "The council regards with great satisfaction that, notwithstanding abnormal conditions, no person engaged in industry suffered the slightest inconvenience, nor were domestic requirements interfered with in any way! It is greatly regretted that private gardens, parks and sports grounds necessarily suffered, but even in this connection it must be remembered that similar conditions prevailed in other parts of New Zealand. This, compared with the privations country people suffered, might be considered as trivial. Right through the difficult period a safe position has been maintained, and the dry conditions have ended with such a quantity of water in storage as would provide against most extreme conditions. "Mr. Potter's repeated attacks on the City Council can only lead to the conclusion that he seeks to find weaknesses and shortcomings where none exist, but it' is not proposed now or at any- time to enter into a discussion of these matters through the public press. For this reason the facts or figures stated by Mr. Potter are not being traversed, and are not at all to be taken as setting out the true position. The City Council has always been only too willing to discuss matters with local bodies affected by its decisions and to give any information which they required. It is suggested that in future al! these hasty and ill-considered attacks through the press might cease, and information be obtained through the proper channels, and thus allow public J' ffairs to be conducted with befitting ignity."

C4LF.N EDEN SERVICE. THE RETICULATION SCHEME. LOAN PROPOSAL DEFERRED. Consideration was again given the engineer's estimates for the water roticulation of the district "at a special meeting of the Glen Eden Town Board on Monday evening. Mr. W. H. Shepherd, chairman, presided. Strong opposition to the scheme was expressed by Messrs. A. J. Routley and M. Rosier, the former stating that in normal seasons he considered a tank supply of 1200 gallons was ample for each household in the district. The .chairman said he was not sure if the time had arrived for the reticulation of the district. A motion that the board should take steps to raise a loan of £14,000 for the purpose of providing a permanent supply for the district was lost-, and an amendment that the matter be deferred until the consideration of the next annual estimates was carried. The chairman gave the casting vote against the proposal. At the conclusion of the meeting Mr. J. H. Hayes gave notice of motion that the decision of the board to defer the question of water be rescinded, and also that he would move that steps he taken to raise a loan for the work immediately after the close of the present financial year.