“WATER HAMMERS”

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 210, 2 June 1944, Page 4

“WATER HAMMERS”

Noise In Council Chamber Tiie calm of the council chamber in the Wellington Town Hall during the sitting of the Metropolitan Licensing Authority was shattered yesterday afternoon by noise which grew in volume and intensity from minute to minute. At the time Mr. A. E. Hurley, representing an applicant for a taxi licence, was hrging his client’s claims. The noise began somewhat distantly, appearing to be reverberations of blows struck on metal elsewhere in the building, but as it grew in volume Mr. Hurley had to raise his voice higher and higher till he was forced to give up the unequal contest. By this time it had become apparent that ttio uoise was due to “water hammers” in the central heating system, and that it had become centred in the four radiators of the chamber. The noise was deafening and those present could only lean back in their seats and wait till a remedy was found. Eventually some of those present rose and turned off (he taps leading into the radiators, but this had no effect, and it was not till the secondary taps near the bases were also shut off that the din subsided. As it began to ease the chairman, Mr. Hislop, who is the retiring mayor of Wellington. was heard to remark to Mr. Appleton, his newly-elected successor: “That will be one of your worries now.” Mr. Hurley then resumed his argument.