TAWA FLAT WATER SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 189, 12 May 1928, Page 7

TAWA FLAT WATER SUPPLY

PIPES THROUGH RAILWAY TUNNEL?

Some discussion took place at the receipt of a letter from Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., at the Makara County Council meeting yesterday. The letter referred to the proposal to take water pipes through the Tawa Flat Tunnel for the future water supply of Tawa Flat and the surrounding districts.

Mr. E. Wlndley (chairman) questioned the advisability of pushing the proposal to take the supply pipes through the tunnel. It was not known whether the project would involve the county. in considerable expenditure or not. It would probably be many years before it was necessary.for the county to be represented on the Water Board. A letter had been sent to the Public Works Department asking if it would be possible to put a pipe through the tunnel. A reply had been received asking what size the pipe would be. The chairman had sought, an engineer’s advice on the probable size of the pipe, but the engineer could give no estimate. He thought it advisable to obtain the advice of the engineer to the Water Board. He was of the opinion that the City Council supply from Khandallah might be used for Rarangi, Johnsonville, and Newlands. These districts would be wanting water before the Tawa Flat area, but the council did not at present know their liability. He said that It was not unusual for water pipes to be put through a tunnel. It was asked whether the matter could be left in abeyance until the tunnel was finished and the demand arose. It was pointed out that this would not be possible, as the pipes would be laid between the tracks. Councillor Mexted suggested that inquiries should be made as to the probable cost of the scheme. The chairman said that it would be more economical to carry the water from Khandallah. Councillor Mexted pointed out that considerable building activity was evident at Tawa Flat ,and said it was probable that Tawa Flat would develop faster than the other districts. , ~ The council decided that a report should be obtained from the Water Board engineer on the question.