SINKING WATER BORES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21399, 25 January 1933, Page 12

SINKING WATER BORES

PEOPOSED LEGISLATION "NO HARDSHIP TO ANYONE" POSITION OF INDUSTRIES " There is nothing in tho Water Protection Bill as it affects the Onehunga and One Tree Hill Borough Councils that will causo hardship to anyone," states the Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. E. Morton, in a letter to the Herald. At a meeting of manufacturers on Monday, concern was expressed at the proposal in the bill, which is to be brought before Parliament, to control tho sinking of bores for water in Onehunga and One Tree Hill. " Tlie bill is only for the purpose of protecting the present water supplies of the two bodies from interference and it will not affect any wells already in use within the boundaries of the two boroughs," Mr. Morton explains. " These wells are very few in number. It has to be remembered that about 45,000 persons are dependent upon these supplies for water, including Onehunga, One Tree Hill, Ellerslie, Mount Roskill and the City Council's abattoirs. At present the great majority of industries in these two districts are supplied with water from the mains at tho reasonable prices of lOd and Is per 1000 gallons, depending upon the quantity taken.

" As far as local industries are concerned, they will not be affected and will always receive fair treatment. In most cases they can obtain surface water if they do not wish fo take it from the mains, without instituting a campaign of well sinking, similar to that which is going on at the works near Otahuhu. There, one firm in turn is sinking deeper than the other to obtain a supply of water., and ultimately the water becomes brackish and is of very little use for any purpose."