SEWERAGE OF GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2465, 1 April 1909, Page 5

SEWERAGE OF GISBORNE.

MR. F. AV. MARCH ANT TO REPORT. A special meeting of the Borough Council, to consider the question of drainage, was held in the Council Chambers last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), and Crs. Pettie, Sawyer, Whin ray, Bright, Barton, Mann, and Williams. , The Mayor said that it had been decided to hold the meeting to decide whether they should employ Mr. F. W. Mareliant to report on a system of drainage, or adopt "Hr. Mason’s suggestion of appointing a committee of experts to deal with the matter. He thought they should first deal with Mr. Marchant’s offer of £6O, if sufficient street levels were available. Ffe hoped the Council would agree to the suggestion to employ Mr. March ant. He would move that Mr Alarchant be asked to report on the best sewerage scheme for Gisborne, and that all reports on sewerage for the Borough of Gisborne be submitted to him for consideration when reporting, together with all other information available in the office. Cr. Darton said that if it„,was a motion to engage Mr. Ala rehai||§ pure and simple, lie would have much pleasure in seconding it. He did not agree, however, with the suggestion to have Mr. Marchant practically criticise any other schemes already before the Council. , Cr. Whim-ay said that perhaps the other reports might assist Mr. Marchant, as it was possible that thereby he might be able to supply them with a. scheme which would come within their means. 110 could sec no objection to submitting previous reports to Air. Marchant. Cr. Darton formally seconded the motion. He thought that all available information should be placed before Mr. Marchant, but did not think it would he necessary to embody the question of other reports in the motion. Cr. Bright said that he did not think it was necessary to place any reports they had had before Mr. Marchant. He * moved as an amendment that Mr. Merchant’s offer to report on a sewerage. -scheme for Gisborne at a foe of £6O be accepted. In seconding the amendment, Cr. Williams said that lie did not think it was any part of their duty to submit anv other reports to Air. Marchant,-who was doubtless fully aware of them al--1 Cr.' Somervell seconded the amendment. , . -, ~ Cr. Sheridan said it was a question whether they got Mr MarchantV report at*ail or not. There was no don bo that the board of experts suggested by Dr Mason would be a very capable bodv of eminent men, and well qualified to deal with the position. Cr. Sawyer said he was strongiy m favor of the amendment. After getting Air. Ma reliant’s report the matter could then be laid before the suggested boadd of experts. , . ~ Cr. Pettie also supported the amendment as the most businesslike proposition of the two. He thought they should give Air. Marchant a free hand, and not bother him with any other re10°Cr! Alann also supported the amendment. , , , , The Alayor said that it could do no harm to submit the other reports to Air. Alarcliaut. It would be a great help to them if Air. Alarcliaut could turn round and say tliat lie would not agree with any other scheme on account ot some particular thing it contained. It would be tying Air. AlarchantV hands not to lot him have the other reports already received by the Council. The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was carried by six votes to f °Cr AVliinray moved that all available information be placed before Mr. Alarchant when reporting on the best system of sewerage. He (Air. AAhmray) thought that drainage was absolutelv necessary, especially in the congested areas. Cr Darton seconded the motion. Cr. AYilliams thought that the motion was altogether unnecessary, as any information Air. Alarchant required or asked for he would undoubtedly get. Cr. • Sheridan supported the motion. He thought in view of the amendment iust passed it was a desirable mot urn. Cr. Somervell said he would support the motion if bo thought that it was meant by tlie previous amendment that' any information would be withheld from Air. Alarchant. . The motion was carried unanimously. Cr. Sheridan proposed that the following telegram be sent to Dr. Alason: ‘•Air. Alarchant has offered to submit a sewerage scheme for Gisborne, which offer lias been accepted by the Council, and as soon as report is available same, with Alcstayer’s and Jiekell’s reports, will be submitted to experts as suggested by you.” Cr. Somervell Seconded the motion, Cr. AAulliams said that Dr. Alason had o-one" to a lot of trouble in arranging lor the board of experts. He thought they should pass a special vote or thanks to him. . ‘ This eon eluded tlie business of the meeting, and the Council went into committee to consider the estimates for. the ensuing year. ,