Click photo to enlarge
The Kawarau rapids, at the outlet to Lake Wakatipu, 6.4
kilometres from Queenstown. - Otago Witness, 2.2.1910.
In order that the Roslyn ratepayers might be made
familiar with the proposal to drain the borough on the septic
tank system the Mayor (Mr J.H.F. Hamel) gave them that
opportunity last night.
The Wakari Drill Hall was the scene of the gathering, but the
large hall had more empty benches than the 30 ratepayers
present occupied.
The Mayor pointed out that the proposal for drainage had not
been hurriedly entered into, for in February, 1905, Mr Thomas
Mackenzie, the then mayor, had brought forward a motion
affirming the necessity of making provision for the sanitary
drainage of the borough area.
Afterwards a committee was set up, and competitive drainage
designs were invited.
One from Mr Reynolds proposed that the Kaikorai stream should
be the main sewer, but this was stopped by difficulty of
riparian rights.
Another scheme was proposed by Mr Hay, to pump sewage on to
the Sand Hills, but this was objected to on the score of
expense.
The report of Commissioner Short dealt with Kaikorai drainage
that would cost 100,000, and necessitate a rate of 3s 5d in
the pound - a ruinous amount.
The proposal to drain through the Caversham tunnel was next
considered, but this was opposed by Mr Slinger, the Drainage
Board engineer, as the city mains would not carry the extra
sewage.
After this the opinion was taken of Messrs Wales and
Williams, who communicated with Home sewerage engineers, and
recommended a septic tank system.
The meeting endorsed the septic tank scheme.
• The question of erecting hot salt-water baths at St.
Clair has occupied the attention of the Ocean Beach Domain
Board recently, and information has been sought from St.
Kilda (Melbourne) and Napier, where such baths have been
established.
A letter recently received from Napier states that the baths
there have proved a great financial success.
Three baths-apart from the laying of pipes and erection of
the building-had cost 30 to equip, and tickets were sold at
9d for a single bath, or 6s per dozen.
The chairman of the board (Mr Hancock) pointed out that there
had been many inquiries by private speculators as to whether
permission might be granted to erect hot-water baths at St.
Clair.
It was decided that the board's's Works Committee be asked to
inquire into the whole matter and report.
- ODT, 5.2.1910.
