BIRKENHEAD AFFAIRS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21470, 19 April 1933, Page 12

BIRKENHEAD AFFAIRS

WATER SUPPLY PROPOSAL SUPPORT OF RATEPAYERS Municipal questions at Birkenhead were explained to a largely-attended public meeting in tho Foresters' Hall last evening by the Mayor, Mr. G. Mills, and members of the Borough Council. The principal matter was the water service and the proposal for obtaining a supply from the Waikahikatoa Stream, near Cutliill, was outlined. Mr. .Mills said that when he assumed office on August 17 last he immediate;* examined the financial position. A letter from the bank stated the overdraft limit of £6OOO would not be increased. The amount of rates outstanding at March 31, 1932, was £6215, some £2090 more than in 1931. Economies were at once enforced. Now, instead of a debit, the credit balance was £BOO. A good and adequate water supply was essential. Tho North Shore Watei; Board had watched the level of Lake Pupuke recede for the past nine years, f nd at last had awakened to the need of another supply. The Water Board had been offered a supply from the City Council, but had declined it. Tho Birkenhead Borough Council had investigated tho Waikahikatoa Stream as an auxiliary supply to Lake Pupuke, and the cost would be from £30,000 to £40,000. Mr. R. P. Worlev, the consulting engineer, detailed the scheme lie had placed before the council. The estimated cost was £21,000, with £9OOO addii tional for the catchment area, a total of £30,000. The Mayor said one penny in the pound would be required to cover the special rate for tho proposed loan. A resolution was unanimously carried urging the Borough Council to take immediate steps to develop tho Waikahikinoa Stream for a water supply for Birkenhead.