NELSON WATER SUPPLY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 937, 25 April 1868, Page 3

NELSON WATER SUPPLY.

CELEBRATION OF THE COMPLETION AND OPENING of the WATEBWORKS. ; (From , the "Nielsoa Colonist," April 17.) v Brijfht, bright in many a rocky urn, The waters of our deserts lie. — Mrs, Memans. But water, than wine, hath a mightier claim ~ To fill up a niche in the temple of Fame, -. . .- .- — Eliza Cook, Yestbbdat was a day to be remembered in Nelson, a red-letter day in the history of the city's progress, inasmuch as a great advance was ,thsn made in the means of ' preserving and improving not only the sanitary condition of the city, but its safety from those devastating visitations of fire, of which the past two years have been seriously prolific. Yesterday, the 16th ; April, 1868, the Kelson Waterworks were fornially inaugurated. - Shortly after eleven o'clock, a number of carnages, containing his Honor the Superintendent, the Executive, members of the Provincial Council, the Government officials, and some others, started from the Government Buildings to the Waterworks. . There was in the Government grounds, at the cherished fish-ponds of Mr. Huddleston, the enthusiastic Secretary of the Acclimatization Society, a brilliant display of gay flags-- and evergreens, arranged in festoons and arches, and these " flaunted" in the orthodox fashion in the soft seabreeze of a bright morning, attracting numerous spectators of both sexes, whose expectations were mcr eased by the promised performance of the fountain in the centre 'fish-pond, which was to play as a wind«upvto the day's out-door proceedings. Arrived at the reservoir and dam, which are elsewhere referred to, and have previously .been described, there were found several successful efforts at ornamentation with: flags and evergreens, rendering a picturesque piece of "mountain, stream, andforest" scenery still more gay by contrast. The dam was duly examined, and a substantial, and. lasting- piece of masonry it seems. The well, into which the water is first' taken from the dam : prior to its entrance into the reservoir, was opened and peeped intoby curious hundreds, who had early arrived oh the ground f and the well was emptied and filled again, and at last all proceeded to the reservoir, where were stationed numerous conveyances, a tolerable- troupe of equestrians of both sexes/ the bright and varied dresses of those of the "other" sex, both mounted and on foot, forming a fine fore-ground to what would' liaye been an admirable and animated picture for the artist. Here this massive and capacious basin, so large? so clean, and so solid-looking, was duly admired by all ; and without delay the screw wasturned,. which admitted the water within its ample space, and gradually the. limpid liquid flowed along the welicemtented floor. . Then, obedient to a sign from Mr. Blackett, another screw was turned,; and the process of "scouring " the reservoir was exhibited, the retiring water making a visible whirlpool as they withdrew, and audibly announcing their depar-tureV;-;;Mfer a little time, more water was collected in -the reservoir, and then the Superintendent vigorously applied the turh-screwy and officially and formally opened the valve, and let the stream of " bright water " flow on towards the city. Thereupon, three cheers were given with considerable enthusiasm, and this part of the: 'ceremony closed. Returning to town, the members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade joined a somewhat rough-and-readyprocession, which, headed by a band of music, marched in a certain ••" " uncertain " order to the various points where water-work experiments were performed with much effect, showing at once the force of the stream deliverable by the hose-pipe, the length of its reach, and the precision of the branch-men who directed the branch-pipes. Back again the procession marched to the Government Buildings, where more hydraulic displays took place, after which Mr. Blackett explained to those who were of an enquiring turn of mind, the use and action of the pressure guage, the dial of which peeps quietly through a glass pane in its little red house in the Government grounds. Last, and least, the fish-pond fountain was opened ! and its tiny operations, in expectation of which, a large crqwd was assembled, produced considerable; jocosity. Comparison of all other known artificial fountains would fail adequately to describe this aqueous arrangement, which exhibits a sort of tattered umbrella movement, of the Sairey Gamp persuasion, surmounted by a perpendicular jet of some four feet high, which recalled Vto the imagination of readers of not ■ yet forgotten English classics, the curious stories of strange countries made famous by Dean Swift ! This closed the watery performances, andithe spectators once more congregated in front of the Government Buildings, where, on a temporary platform, appeared his 1 Honor; the Superintendent, and the members of the Executive, his Lordship the Bishoprof Nelson, and Mr. Blackett, the Provincial Engineer. -HisHbNOE then addrssed the assemblage. He said that the Nelson Waterworks had at last been opened, and the city was now amply supplied. He congratulated the people that this work whi«h had been talked of so long had now been finally and successfully completed. (Hear, hear.) There had been many public works of importance executed in this town and Province ; but there was none of greater importance in the promotion of the health and comfort of the community than the work which had that day been declared complete. While congratulating the public on this result, he must also congratulate Mr. Blackett, the Provincial Engineer, by whom the work was planned and carried out, for the highly successful issue of his. labors. (Cheers.) He had had the entire management, no pains had been spared, no efforts neglected on his part, and success had now fully^crowned these efforts. The course of work too had been exceedingly satisfactory. .-': Throughout its progress there had been no check,- no fault, no failure of any load. , {Hear, hear.) The spectators to-day had seen what the water- works could do in case of fire, and the benefit and improvement which they would bring to many households in the city would very soon be amply experienced. One ; other: and a, most important source of ; satisfaction was that the cost of the works had not' exceeded the estimate, and on that accoidnt he had also to congratulate Mr. Blackett on the accuracy of his calfor it was very rarely indeed : ; t^^l-Bue^^worksw.ere accomplished within ( as after they : / ; vjweri^^ifiiaiencißd?it:was frequently found ■'■'. I'thall^^ibmV^Dforeseen circumstances in the i end raised the estii":7%aj^d:: JBp J stj;pite 'half" or -even doubled it. ■ry^Tlw^rs^^nothing^of; the kind in this : ; c||ej'iforvv; : thanks ; to Mr Blackett's care ;? '•;,-. a^d^ibrethqught ,every contingency had i;j^mftre|een^nd provided for, and, as • : C ; ||!§pfs:SW&» ,-thfcacf uai cost was decidedly i (Applause.) He it <frei^et|^dlthaiiith;e work had not been comago,: for, had property which p^ia^igp^fpaist'^eighteen "months had fi^]|g^H|s|ro|sed^by disastrous fires, , would : s^.;and ; -thus. |Kienjg«g#ed^t%shave :paialjthe::price" bf m^m§f.p^VWoMmr§e vimes over. (Hear,

hear.) It was an unfortunate thing that this city, which for so many years had enjoyed a perfect immunity from fire, should within the past two years have suffered so severely. However, that was past and could not be helped ; but at present, in consequence of these fires, the inhabitants were prevented from reaping the full benefit of a reduction in the rate of insurance, which the waterworks would have otherwise produced, but at the same time they did gain something, and their gain was that the waterworks would be instrumental in preventing a large rise in the rate of insurance. It is true that the water rates would be pretty heavy, but the boon was one which had to be paid for. The assessment had been very carefully made, and to the credit of the gentleman who made up the assessment, he would state that only two appeals had been made against it. No doubt there were certain hardships connected with the water rate, as, for example, when a house was within a few yards only of the 100 yards from the main by which distance exemption was obtained, and because of that few yards they had to pay the rate. But it was impossible to levy a tax which did not cause some complaints ; they had done their best, and if any sound reason could be shown for any amendments, the Government, and, he believed, the Council, would be most happy to make them. One other satisfactory thing had arisen from the work in question, and that was, the large amount, of employment it had given to labor; and he hoped that ere long other public works would be undertaken, and would give further employment. (Hear, hear.) Meanwhile, the present works were now complete; and he had pleasure in calling on the Bishop of Nelson to offer up a prayer which his Lordship had composed for the occasion. (Applause.) His Lohdship the Bishop then read the following prayer : — " Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, and all that is therein, we bless and praise Thy Holy name for all the gifts of Thy Providence bestowed upon us Thy creatures. Everywhere we behold Thy wisdom ; Thy works are marvellous ; there is no searching out of Thine understanding. We thank thee for every day's mercies ; for the sea and its constant tides ; for the rivers and streams refreshing the face of the earth, and providing food for man. We thank thee for the silent dew ; for the clouds that return after the rain ; for the waters stored in the snow ; for the gentle streams, and the rising wells ; and, above all, for those appointed laws of Thine ordaining, whereby Thou dost convey to each through these varied means, the blessing of health, purity, and safety. Bless now, O Lord, this undertaking, this work of our hands, in extending the use of Thy gifts to this place ; prosper it to the advancement of cleanliness, sobriety, and godly cheerfulness amongst us ; to the preservation of our houses and lives from the devouring fire, and to the increased enjoyment of all Thine other gifts. Grant that as to each is brought this water — of which whosoever drinketh must thirst again — so to each of us may be given of the Water of Life which Jesus Christ came to bring unto us ; that the knowledge of Thy will may ever be with us, flowing at our side, to supply the thirst of our souls through life's long journey ; and grant that we may attain, through the merits of Jesus our Saviour, to that happy land, where they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; but the Saviour shall lead them to fountains of living water; and where God shall wipe away tears from off all faces. Grant us these mercies, Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. — Amen." After which, the following hymn, composed by the Bishop, was sung : — Praise the Lord, ye watery fountains, Whether as the clouds .\ c roll, Or, descending from the mountains Silent streams, or torrents fulJ. Life and health and vigour bringing, Fraught with blessings on your way, Murmuring now, now sweetly singing, Ye suggest our praise to-day. Praise Him, rivers, lakes, and ocean, Depths unfai homed, air unseen, Beauteous forms in rest or mo lion, Temperinß day's too glittering sheeu. Bow of Heaven ! the sky transforming, Pledge of hope on stormy day; Silent dew-drops nightly falling On each blade and grassy spray ! Prajse Him, too. who ever giveth "- Living water to the soul, Which, whoever drinketh, liveth, , Or, diseased, is made whole. Earthly streams will aye deceive thee, Seek the healing waters first ; Ask of Him, and He will give thee All to quench thy spirit's thirst. Praise the Lord, whose blessings ever Sons of men abounding share 1 ■ Gratefully, forgetting never. Whose wise workmanship they are. See his gifts proclaim his glory, Dimly seen by men below, Heaven shall tell the fuller story, And, unveiled, His greatness show. The Superintendent then called for three cheers for Mr. Blackett, which were warmly given, as were also cheers for the Superintendent and the Bishop, who concluded by calling for three cheers for the Queen, which were vociferously given, 'and the band played " God save the Queen." Although we have more than once referred to these works, still, now that they are completed, have been formally opened, and are in working order, a few facts connected with them, and a general description of the undertaking, may be interesting to our readers. For the greater portion of these facts we are indebted to the Provincial Engineer. The supply of water is obtained from Brook-street Valley, at a point about 3£ miles distant from town, where the valley becomes contracted within a narrow rocky gorge, which lies beyond all the land used for pastoral purposes. The position thus selected for commencing operations, ensures the almost perfect purity of the water, as it has no opportunity of becoming contaminated by flowing over wide shallow shingle beds, frequented by horses, cattle, and sheep. In this gorge, which is about 340 feet above the level of high water line, a low dam of masonry, built in cement, has been formed, and into this dam the main pipes are inserted, and from it the supply is obtained. The dam is provided with a flood channel, and a large scouring pipe and sluice 17 inches in diameter, with the necessary shut-off valve in the main, which is 7 inches in diameter, all the way to the town. The water may flow either direct from the dam to the town, or be impounded on its way in a reservoir, constructed about half-a-mile below the dam, and on a level about 35 feet lower, that is about 305 feet above high water line. The reservoir is about quarter of an acre in area, and of an average depth of 12 feet, its capacity being about 775,000 gallons, which is equal to about a fortnight's supply to the town, at an average allowance of 20 gallons per head per day for the population supplied. The walls of the reserrior are built perpendicularly, and are backed with a thickness of clay carefully puddled in. The floor is pitched with stone, under which also is a layer of puddle, the whole being covered with a coating of cement, with which material the walls are pointed, and with it their lower portions are built. The reservior is fitted with the,. niisual. inlet and outlet valves, waste weir, and scouring sluice, by means of which latter it may be emptied and

cleansed, the supply meanwhile being taken from the dam.

A road has been constructed from the town to thereservior, along which the pipes are laid ; at the crossing of sundry streams the pipes are carried on bridges. We may remark here by way of parenthesis, that it seems almost a pity that arrangements were not made (that is, if this could have been done with safety) for utilising these pipe bridges by making them available for foot passengers. In town the main is reduced by branching off into submains of 5 inches, 4 inches, and 3 inches, according to the size and requirements of the streets. The whole length of piping extends to about 12 or 13 miles, and weighs between 600 and 700 tons. The supply stretches past the wharfs to the furthest point on the Haven-road. The pipes throughout the length are fitted with fire-plugs, placed at distances of 60 to 80 yards, to be used in case of fires and for watering streets ; provision being made for cutting off any individual street for the purpose of repairs, by means of sluice valves. Provision is also made for water supply to shipping, the quantity being registered by meters at each wharf. To meet emergencies in case of fire, two hose reels have been provided with the necessary hydrants, hose pipes, and branches, and we understand that a number of additional hydrants, tobe distributed in different localities throughout the city, will shortly be added to the stock. Firecocks to which a hose could be attached are also fixed in sundry important situations, such as the Government Buildings, the Wharf, the new Hospital, &c. &c. The ordinary working pressure in the town from the reservoir will be about 120lbs. to the square inch ; this is exhibited by a pressure gauge attached to an air-vessel in the Government grounds.' By calculations which have been made, it appears that the main 7-inch pipe will deliver in town, with a head of 300 feet, about 126,000 gallons of water in four hours, which is more than three times the estimated daily requirement. The area of the valley from which the supply is derived, and which has been ' made a reserve for the purpose, is about 1,500 acres, which with a rainfall of one inch would yield about 34,000,000 gallons; so that, assuming the rainfall to be about 67 inches per annum (an amount which has been recorded), and. that one-third of this can be made available (which is the usual calculation) we should have an annual supply of about 748,000,000 gallons, or say 2,000,000 per day, which is about fifty times the quantity at present required. The whole of theworks have been designed by the Provincial Engineer, John Blackett, Esq., and have been carried out under his superintendence. The pipe, laying has occupied about five months, and the whole work has been in hand little more than a year. The plant was supplied by Messrs. Ransomes and Sims, Ipswich, the well-known English firm of agricultural implement makers, and the contracts for the various works have generally been executed by Nelson contractors, and will bear favorable comparison with like work in older countries. The whole cost will be from six to eight per cent, under the original estimate of £20,000. And now that this important necessity for a town is completed, it remains for the Government to manage and maintain it at the least possible cost, and at the earliest opportunity to reduce the amount of rate, which the public at large are of opinion is too high ; especially as the introduction of such a fire preventive has had no effect in diminishing the high rates which the various companies charge for fire insurance.