WAIKATO WATER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21579, 25 August 1933, Page 12

WAIKATO WATER

PRIVATE COMPANY ACTIVE TENTATIVE OFFER TO CITY ? —' rejection by council THE BILL TO BE OPPOSED The activities of the Waikato Water Supply Company, Limited, which proposes to draw water from the Waikato River to supply local bodies, were discussed by the City Council last evening, when a tentative proposal was made by the company, tmder winch the city was offered, water at a price which, it was stated, would show a saying on its present supplies. The discussion was taken in committee, and it was later announced that the council was not prepared to enter into negotiations with tho company and would oppose its proposals. The intention of the company to have a private bill introduced at the coming session of Parliament to give it the necessary powers to carry out its undertaking was dealt with in a repoit by tho town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, who said it would be apparent that the bill would materially affect the council's position in regard to water supply. It would presumably be , necessary for tho council to take action in accordance with tho standing orders of thp General Assembly relative to private bills. Ho explained that tho bill would not bo treated as an opposed bill unless before tho second reading a petition had been presented to the House, praying that tho petitioners bo heard against tho bill, cither in person or by counsel or agent. Features of Proposal A tentative proposal for supplying the city with water was contained in a letter received from Messrs. Earl, Kent, Massoy and Northcroft, who said they wero acting for eevtain clients in connection with tho Waikato River water supply proposal, and desired to arrange a conference. They understood their clients were in a position to make a definite proposal, which they confidently suggested it was in the interests of tho City Council to investigate thoroughly. Tho salient features of tho -proposal were: — (1) An adequate supply for the future for an area covering not only the city and suburbs, but tho outlying districts between the city and the source of supply. (2) Relieving the council from further capital expenditure in the future. (3) The supply of water to the council at a price which will show the council an immediate saving, taking all factors into consideration. Money to be Spent (4) A provision for a sinking fund which will wipe out tho total capital costs involved in tho proposed company's works, and when this has been done, tho handing over of the whole project to the various local bodies concerned, free of all cost. (5) A provision for the local bodies concerned to take over the project after 10 years. (6) fhe immediate advantage to be derived by assisting into work men who are at present on unemployment relief. In this respect tho sum involved is approximately £300,000. (7) The assistance to industry generally by the spending of approximately £150,000 on New Zealand materials. (8) Reciprocal trade with Great Britain by the purchase of materials unprocurable in New Zealand. (9) No liability of any kind on any local authority for the levying of rates or contributions, nor on the Government for any grant or subsidy. (10) Full award rates of pay for labour. Decision ol Council The writers said that obviously the matter would require to bo gone into in some detail and they asked that an appointment should be made for a meeting between the appropriate committee of the council and the representatives of tho company. The council then went into committee, and on resuming the following resolution was reported and confirmed: —"That Messrs. Earl, Kent, Massey and Northcroft be informed that tho council is definitely opposed to the proposal and is not prepared to enter into negotiations regarding it." On tho recommendation of the Public Services Committee, the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, and Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the committee, wero given power to act in the direction of taking any necessary steps to oppose tho bill and conserve the council's interests.