METROPOLITAN DRAINAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22200, 29 August 1935, Page 10

METROPOLITAN DRAINAGE

The option secured over Motukorea Island, proposed site of the outfall under the metropolitan drainage scheme now being considered, marks the first positive forward move since the engineer to the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board produced his report on the whole project in 1932. The chairman of the board has done a sound stroke of business. He has brought the price down to a remarkably small figure compared with what was first asked for the property, he has fixed it at that level for two years, and has left it open for the board to escape with the payment of £390 if it decides not to buy the island. Now it is to be hoped the next move will not be long delayed. The stage is set for the drainage board and the other areas concerned in the scheme to make up their minds definitely what is to be done. If Motukorea, or Brown's, Island is to be accepted for the outfall a decision should be made without undue delay; if it is not, then an alternative should be sought at once. There are many reasons for acting promptly. Enough has been said about present conditions in some of the areas likely to be included —notably Ellerslie—to show the need for urgency there. The harbour and portions of the inner waters of the gulf are being polluted by the discharge of raw, or insufficiently treated, sewage, and this condition is likely to grow worse rather than better. On this point it is rather a pity that the North Shore boroughs are momentarily put into the background by the Motukorea project, fonthe need to do something about their present discharge of sewage is not the least urgent in the field. However, there is plenty of room for prompt decision as the situation stands. The chance of a contribution toward the wages cost of the work from the Unemployment Board is too valuable an advantage to be lost; and delay might mean the loss of it. By obtaining the option, the chairman has made action take the place of mere discussion. Everyone concerned in the scheme should take their cue from this, and press forward to definite decisions. To have, secured two years to buy or refuse to buy Motukorea was good business. To make the term an excuse for needless delays would be very bad business indeed.