THE DRAINAGE SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2089, 15 January 1908, Page 2

THE DRAINAGE SCHEME.

DISCUSSED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL. COST CONSIDERED TOO GREAT. MORE INFORMATION TO BE ASKED FOR. REPORTS TO BE PROCURED ON ALTERNATIVE SCHEME. At last night’s mooting of the Borough Council a letter was road from Mr. R. L. Mestayor, who stated that ho had fonvurded his drainage roport. Tho estimate appeared very high compared with his previous report, but since then tho increase in tho price of labor and materials of all kinds had beon very groat, and tho area included was four rimes the previous one reported on. ’these two considerations fully accounted for tho increased cost.

Cr. Sheridan proposed that consideration bo delorrcd until next mooting, and the matter could bo lully thought out. Cr. Williams thought that they should sot apart a special night to consider tho report. Or. Bright said that whatever their consideration, tho cost was too great. Othors thought that tho report should be discussed. Cr. Williams said every Councillor should have tho plans in his civil house to go into tho matter. They asked tho Engineer for a complete scheme of drainage and he did not think that anyone thought it would bo put into effect, but that did not prevent their giving tho matter full discussion. Cr. Sheridan said that tlio matter merited a great deal of consideration. If it were not for the alterations to tho harbor rate, they could have the drainage. The Mayor said they were anxious to get the report and now f they were anxious to dismiss it. They had a complete scheme, and it was a •plondid one, too. It took tho sewigo right out to sea. A certain area could bo done for £85,000. He ■aid be would give any information. Perhaps tlioy could get a smaller ichemo than the alternative. It was rather amusing to hear people say what a large cum it was, and then devise a substitute for a scheme a most eminent engineer had placed before them. 'Tho scheme was for a very large area and eventually Gisborne would grow to it. Mr. Mestaver devised a scheme lor an area for 30,000 people and that was a very good thing. They could write to the engineer and ask for a smaller scheme which would work with the general :cheme for about £30,000. He only isked that tlie scheme should be investigated. Cr. Sheridan raid that could be derided at next meeting. The Mayor said they could write for this to-day to save time.

Cr. Bright suggested that the engineer be asked what the cost of maintenance would be and for a ;chemo for tho storm water

Cr. Williams remarked that sonic people had an idea that the scheme was only to deal tvith nightsoil and that was not so. Cr. Mann said that there seemed to be an impression that the Council had seriously asked for tlie report with the notion that were going to carry out this scheme. Most of them were staggered at it. It was as well to point out that they decided to get the scheme and then consider ways and means and say what part they would touch. Cr. Williams said that the scheme would bo spread over a period of 15 or 16 years. It was decided to write to Mr. Mestayer and ask for the required information, which he expressed his willingness to give. He will be asked lor a separate report on the disposal of storm water, the cost of maintenance and alternative reduced schemes to cover (1) as far as Roebuck road and (2) that of Whataupolco to -Fox street and from Roebuck road westward.