HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 28 February 1935, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, February 27. Mrs H. Haines, who has been visiting the North Island, returns tomorrow. Mr R. A. Campbell, consulting engineer, of Christchurch, to-day inspected the present pipe of the borough water supply, and also the route for a new line, being accompanied by Mr F. W. Chestcrman, Borough Foreman. Mr Campbell later reported to the Borough Council, whom he met last evening to discuss the matter, there being 'also present the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), Councillors E. Teichelmann, G. Heinz, T. W. Duff, A. R. Elcock and J. King. The Mayor outlined the position to Mr Campbell giving details s>f the present system. Mr Perry said the systeip was constructed in wood 25 years ago, but the pipe line had deteriorated. There was a big demand, but the supply was insufficient, and it had been found necessary to restrict it although not to such an extent that the comfort of consumers had been affected Reviewing the manner in which Ho kitika had come through the dry spell with the amount of water available, he did not think they had done so badly. The Council was now -of the opinion that the wooden pipes might suffer further deterioration in the future, and that the line must there for be replaced with more permanent material. The cost of tte upkeep of the system since 1924 hau neon, as follows: 1924, £552; 1925, £728; 1926. £558; 1927, £387; 1928, £330; 1929 £599; 1930. £431; 1931. £570; 1932 £497; 19.33, £726; 1934, £543. These figures would show that the system had not deteriorated to any very great extent. Some years ago the Council had considered applying for a loan, but he considered the present time was’better as money was now cheaper, -and they might get it for a longer period, thus making the burden lighter. It wa s time they gave a better service, and they wanted Mr Campbell’s advice on the best way this could be carried out, the best material to be used, and any advice that would be of benefit to them. The conditions experienced during the dry spell had _brought matters to >a head. The demand was far in excess of the supply. This might be accounted for by increased population. They were aiming at a supply of 300 gallon's a minule. Mr Campbell said he desired to know details of the expenditure on the system each year, and concurred that the consumption of water was large. Some of the contributory causes to the annual expense were stated as breakages due to slips, leakages,’ and renewals of domestic connections. Some years the breakages were worse than others, but this year was the worst of all. The reservoir was practically watertight with a capacity of 230,000 gallons, and the fall from the Lake to the reservoir and thence to the borough was about 430 feet. It was suggested Mr Campbell might give attention to such matters as evening the grade, and straightening the line. He made several inquiries regarding the present system, pipes, pressure, etc., and after a full discussion the meeting adjourned. Teams from Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika will take part in the West Coast surf life saving championship meeting to be held on the Hokitka beach next Sunday afternoon commencing at 2 o’clock. Thi.s new sport is increasing in favour on the Coast, where chibs are flourishing and with practice they have each attain ed ta high standard. Three events will be held, the chief of which„ the seven men event, will decide the championship. The Band will be in attendance and a collection will be taken up.

At the Borough. Council meeting last evening, it was stated that fresh water pipi occasionally found their way from file lake via the pipe lin<* to the Borough reservoir. This was confirmed by the Foreman, who sthr cd, however, that they had never found adhering to the interior of the pipes.

Notably fine alpine views are at present obtainable locally, although there are at the same time signs that the weather is soon to be much cooler An Auckland syndicate, which 'acquired bush near Big Wanganui Tfiv or, South Westland, is to have a niill eereted, while an examination of shipping facilities has been made and a report satisfactory to the syndicate Ims Keen received. The work in hand is being directed by Mr C. A. Campbell, of the K.D.V. Boxes. Ltd.. Auckland, and includes preparations for workmen’s dwellings adjacent to the proposed sawmill site. The plant is being assembled and will be ship ned by small steamer to its destination. It is likely when authority is obtained that some improvement will he made in the river entrance, where it is hoped to admit scows of 10 to If feet draught. The question of road access to link up with La Fontaine road, which branches from the main highwav at Harihari, is also to be considered.