FOUNTAINS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1265, 19 July 1864, Page 4

FOUNTAINS.

TO rilic EDITOR OK TIIIS LYTTELTON TIM KB. Sir,— The supply of water from the artorfian b,»res is, 1 believe, beyond doubt now proved to bo nil but inexhaustible. I would, therefore, with permission through your journnl, suggest, for the consuk'ruticn of the Town Council the following plan for utilising the same, ei'horfor the suppression of fire, wnf ring the streets, or for ornamental purposes. In the ti \st place I would build a tank about 14 feet in diiuiK tor, by a depth of ten feet; six feet being sunk, the remaining four above the surfacc ; the siune of good brick and ecment., lined with a good coating of the same material, and surmounted with a coping of stone ; this would contain 12,000 or 14,000 gallons. At such a height as not materially to impede the flow of water, 1 would place a large basin supported by a pipe in the centre, and then hollow castings communicating with the bottom of the same, and extending in the shape of a tripod to copings. Each of these might form a hydrant for the filling of water carts. At these times when not required, the water flowing over the lip of the basin into the tank beneath would be not only a refreshing, but far from being a disagreeable object. During our dusty season, near the level of the ground might be placed a hydrant, available for flushing the streets, or sending a stream of water along the channels for the supply of an engine in the direction it might run at a few minutes notice. As to the ornamental portion, much would depend on the taste of the architect. Should these hints prove acceptable in high places a growing nuisance will be removed, and the other may prove a boon at our utmost need. I remain, Sir, # Yours respectfully, COSMOPOLITE.