CITY WATER SUPPLY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 279, 25 November 1943, Page 4

CITY WATER SUPPLY

OBJECTION TO STOCK ON OKEHU PROPERTY FEAR OF CONTAMINATION A suggestion that with a view to preventing grassed land on the watershed at OKeh-u reverting to second growth, thus creating a danger from tire and the spread of wild pigs, the property be stocked on the basis of limited grazing rights was made by Cr. T. S. Russell, moving a motion to this effect at a meeting of the Wanganui City Council. The motion added that the terms of tenancy should be till such time as the council was in the position to carry out a tree-planting scheme with men employed on the site, but after a discussion, during which the old question of stock contaminating the water was raised, the motion was lost. Recommendations made by the Works Committee for planting trees in the watershed area were adopted. A comprehensive report on the watershed at Okehu, presented by the city engineer, Mr. L. F. Row, was considered by the Works Committee at a recent meeting. Several alternative suggestions weie made for the future use of the cleared tfnd grassed portion of the reserve, consisting of about 400 acres.

The committee subsequently recommended that the council carry out a’ policy of planting trees on the cleared portion ot the watershed, and that the city engineer and the superintendent of parks and reserves, Mr. S. I. Cox, proceed with the work as labour became available.

Cr. Russell said he was not an expert on this matter, but was prepared to accept Mr. Row’s report. The engineer had stated that unless stock were put on the land it would revert to fern. Cr. Russell added that he felt that if this were allowed to happen the council would not be worthy of the ratepayers’ confidence. The motion was seconded by Cr. E. W. Mere wether.

Reports on the city water supply, given by district medical qfficers of health, were recalled by the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers. The first bombshell, he said, was thrown by Dr. Duncan Cook, who told the council that the water was definitely inferior because of the amount, of animal contamination in the watershed area. Cr. S. J. Harris commented that it was hardly fair to talk about re-stock-ing the watershed property so soon after a farmer had been paid compensation for removing his stock from the area. Cr. Harris added that the opinion of Wanganui doctors on the quality oi the city water supply may found to be alarming. Cr. Russell: I have been told that the water in Virginia Lake is far more contaminated than it is at Okehu. We have had stock at Okehu for 12 years and the question is whether a small proportion of stock will do any harm till afforestation projects can be finished. On the Mayor putting the motion it was lost on a show of hands.