HUIA DAM SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 14

HUIA DAM SCHEME.

BORROWING OF £200,000.

CITY TO SEEK AUTHORITY.

" IRRESPONSIBLE " SUGGESTION

In order to obtain funds for thu completion of the Huia dam and pipeline the Auckland City Council resolved, at a special meeting yesterday, to apply to the Local Government Loans Board for sanction to raise £200,000, the balance of the waterworks extension loan of £400.000 authorised by the ratepayers in 1926.

Considerable discussion took place upon the receipt of an objection from Mr. H. P. Taylor who took exception to what he regarded as a lack of information regard ing the proposal. Fie predicted the work would exceed the estimates by anything from £150,000 to £200,000.

"We have nothing to hide. I move that the letter be sent to the Loans Board together with our resolution," said Mr. A. J Entrican.

Mr. J. A. C. Allum, who seconded, described as "irresponsible" Mr. Tay lor's suggestion that part of the money was to be diverted to the Hunua scheme. As chanman of the Water Committee he could say the suggestion had never en tered the heads of its members As for Mr. Taylor's statement about a portion of the money being needed to repay into the general fund to replace sums already spent at Huia, that was a normal process commonly employed by most local bodies. The present administration was no less anxious than its predecessors to keep the ratepayers informed about its business.

Mr. J. B. I'aterson: Mr. Taylor in fcrs we have diverted to Hunua moneys intended for the Huia scheme. Is that a fact?

Mr. M. J. Bennett said Mr. Taylor's statements were sweeping and far-reach ing, and a complete answer should be placed before the council at its next meeting

Mr. W 11. Murray asked for information regarding the expenditure on the Huia scheme to date. Ho said the N'iho tupu dam cost twice the amount esti mated, and it would be a serious matter if a similar liability had to be faced with regard to Huia.

Mr. O. Mcßrine replied that Nihotupu was constructed in war-time, when costs were rising and delays and interruptions occurred through unforeseen circumstances.

Tho town clerk was asked to prepare a statement in answer to Mr. Taylor's objections for submission to the council at its next meeting. If the Loans Board so desires tho statement will be forwarded to Wellington.