DRAINAGE SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 13

DRAINAGE SCHEME

METROPOLITAN AREA PLAN FOR CO-ORDINATION NEW SEWAGE OUTFALLS ADDRESS TO LOCAL BODIES The scheme for the co-ordination and unification of the drainage system in the Auckland metropolitan area under a central board, together with the establishment of sewage treatment works and outfalls at Brown's Island and Campbell's Bay, were outlined by Mr. H. H. Watkins, engineer-secretary to the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board, at a meeting of local body delegates and others in the City Council chamber la4t night. The Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, presided over an attendance of about 150. The Mayor said he had convened the meeting primarily for the purpose of affording new members of the Drainage Board an opportunity of becoming more fully acquainted with the main aspects of the comprehensive scheme of drainage for-the Auckland metropolitan district, which had been recommended by Mr. Watkins in 1932. In addition, others directly interested in the project had been invited to be present. The latter included members and officials of the local authorities who wotdd become involved in the scheme, the members and officials of the Auckland Harbour Board, members of Parliament representing the Auckland metropolitan constituencies, officers of the Health and Public Works Departments, the president and executive members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the Tamaki Ratepayers and Residents' Association. Present Position Unsatisfactory "I have long been concerned over the unsatisfactory position regarding the disposal of sewage into the waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours," Mr. Davis said. '"The proposed comprehensive' scheme has been considered from time to time by the Drainage Board, and, although it has been discussed at several conferences, no finality has been reached. In 1934 the board submitted a questionnaire to the local hodies concerned in the proposed scheme. According to a memorandum I have had from Mr. Watkins, thos«> local authorities, with four exceptions —in two instances requests were made for additional data, and in the two other cases no reply was received — have signified their general approval of the scheme, subject to reservations regarding ' their' immediate liability for capital expenditure. "During the mayoralty campaign I expressed my opinion regarding Auckland drainage, and to-night 1 reiteratp my conviction that there should be no further undue delay in determining the question of effecting substantial improvements. "With this, as with other questions, it is my aim to have the assistance and co-operation of all the interested parties, with a view to the if practicable, of such a drainage policy as will adequately provide for the immediate and anticipated future requirements of the district. Expenditure on Wages

"The advisability of endeavouring to finance works of this nature at a time when the employment of additional labour is so pressing a necessity is worthy of the closest consideration. Other factors supporting the suggestion are the cheapness of finance generally and the opportunity of raising funds locally, thus obviating exchange charges and heavy costs of flotation. In addition, there is assistance by way of subsidy from the Unemployment. Fund. I submit for your serious consideration that, in the light of all these governing circumstances, opportunities such as these from the viewpoint of a drainage undertaking, may not continue or recur. Should we not grasp them now? Taking heed of all the contributing factors, I consider the time is opportune for a forward movp "I am advised that on the estimates 60 per cent of the cost of the scheme recommended would be for wages on constructional works. That is an impressive percentage. Furthermore, with the exception of special equipment for the sewage treatment works, steel for reinforcement of concrete, and other sundry supplies, the required materials. I am informed, are obtainable locally. Mainly, they comprise cement and shingle, the production and supply of which would involve the expenditure of additional 'substantial sums for wages Many Authorities "According to the records there ha* been already a capital expenditure of over £3,000,000 with the installation of drainage systems in the metropolitan district. Allowing for loan repayments and accrued sinking funds in hand, this liability is reduced to £2,195,000, . with the annual loan charges represented by £154,500. These are substantial figures." Mr. Davis added that Mr. W'atkins would answer questions at the close of his address, but it was not proposed to invite discussion or comment, since the matter would be fully discussed at the next ordinary, quarterly meeting of the Drainage Board in August. Upon the board's determination of the issue would depend the next step to he taken. Discussing the proposals, Mr. Watkins said there were at present 14 different local authorities exercising control of drainage schemes in the metropolitan area. The scheme was that there should ba unification of control nnder a metropolitan board, and that all sewage should he dealt with at treatment works to be built on Brown's Island, allowing for the discharge of a clarified effluent. They would deal with the whole of the metropolitan area, apart from the North Shore boroughs, which would he served by an outfall near OamnbeH's Bay. Cost of the Schemes

The cost of the schemes, Mr. Watkins continued, would he £1,.'300,000 for the southern district and £315,000 for the northern district, a total of £1,675,000. It would he possible to undertake the scheme for the southern district in stages. The diversion of the dry weather flow from the Orakei outfall could be effected at a cost of £325,000, /and the diversion of the whole flow at a cost of £520.000. The cost of dealing with the trades waste from the Onehunga-Westficld area as part of the southern district scheme Would he £400.000. Mr Wat<tins gaie a comprehensive summary of the report on the schemes which he/presented to the Drainage Board some time ago. He stressed the need for co-ordination, of all drainage work and mentioned that, as far as he knew, his proposals had the support of the Auckland Harbour Board. hen the Mayor invited questions at the conclusion of Mr. Watkins' address, none was forthcoming. Mr. Davis said that matters of policy in connection with the proposals would be discussed p.v the Drainage Board in August. If it was decided to pioceed with the work, local authorities would be notified and would probably be asked to send representatives to a further meeting.