Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1916-01-05
WANAQUE REPORT
COMES OUT FOR
STATE DIVISION
Two Commission Legislation
Would Draw Line at
Middlesex.
TENTATIVE BILL is
GIVEN AT CONFERENCE
Representatives of Northern
Municipalities Attend Ses-
sion Here.
TENTATIVE BILL is
GIVEN AT CONFERENCE

Representatives of the muuicipali-
ties Interested in the development of
the Manaque watershed met at the
Essex Club this afternoon. a report
on proposed legislation that will
bring about the creation of two
separate commissions was made by
City Counsel SpauldinS Frazer and
Eugene w. Leake of Montclair. il
was explained that a tentative bill
has been drawn and that it covered
all the important features.
The report says in part: "The eoun-
sci for the several municipalities
after a full discussion of the matter
has come to the conclusion that the
most satisfactory settlement of the
water proposition would be to divide
the State into two districts, the
northern one TO comprise all counties
north of Middlesex, the remaining
counties to constitute the southern
district"
The question OF the water supply
in the respective districts will be
handled by commission of five men
to be appointed at the request of any
municipality or municipalities desir-
ing to have developed a particular
water supply for the general benefit
of municipalities in that section.
This appointment is made upon pc
tition to the chief justice, who there
upon nominates the commissioners
for the districts, who when so nomi-
mated become a permanent board
with a salary of $500 per year for
each commissioner, commencing from
the time that contracts are actually
entered into for the development of
such supply.
No Politics.
"The purpose of putting the ap-
pointment under the control of the
chief justice is to eliminate as far as
possible any partisan politics from
the board"
The report goes on to say that all
matters relating to water supply in
the respective districts must first be
presented to the commission. Pre-
liminary expenses of any development
scheme must be borne by the request
ing municipality.
The proposed bill provides that conn
missions must make preliminary sur-
veys and estimates of costs of the de-
yelopment. Approval must be OBJ
Aipii ttit otHsii LiitfllI VI wi
servation and development.
1t was explained that the powers
of the board win be broader than
those of the present water supply
commission and will include powers of
police so as to prevent pollution and
other injury to the sources of supply.
The commission, II is outlined, not
only will construct, but will also oper-
ate any development for the benefit
of the contracting municipalities.
After the development is started the
commission will have the right to
permit additional municipalities to
enter the agreement upon equitable
terms. In addition to the develop
ment of a new water supply the pro-
posed bill will give to the commission
full power to condemn and operate
any system.
This provision in the proposed law
applies to the holdings of the East
Jersey Water Company, which Pater-
son, Passaic and Montclair have been
endeayoring to take over in order that
the development of the Wanaque may
be available.
The proposed bill may be introduced
by Senator Thomas f. McCran, of
PaSsaic county.