After much discussion extending over a period of many years, the first definite steps to install a sewerage system were taken in 1906, and during Mr. J. W. McEwan's term of office as Mayor, the scheme was finally approved and carried out.

Writing in regard to the initiation of the scheme Mr. McEwan says: "First, a report by Mr. A. Cowie, Borough Engineer, and "Mr. R. Fox, who had completed a scheme at Johnsonville, was arranged for. After the submission of their report to the Council, "I felt that it would be wise to submit the report to Mr. Cuthbert, "of Christchurch, who had completed a similar work for that City. '' The conditions were similar, and the scheme was working well." This was agreed to, and Mr. Cuthbert, in due course, reported that, '' with some alterations along the seafront, the scheme was a good '' one. Mr. Cuthbert's report cost £50. It was money well spent."

The scheme adopted was a gravity and pumping system, which cost £62,400. The work was carried out by day labour, under the supervision of Mr. Fox. A further £6,000 was required to advance to ratepayers to enable the installation of house services. This scheme did not include the whole of the eastern area of the town, the balance of the area being completed in 1928, at a further cost of £10,000.