In Search of Water

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 2

In Search of Water

ENGINEER HAS HOPES OF SUFFICIENT SUPPLY

For some time past Mr. J. C. Davidson has been engaged by the Pahiatua Borough Council to ascertain the quantity of water at the Balfour springs, where he is superintending the cutting of a channel to facilitate the investigations. He attended the monthly meeting of the council on Monday evening. Reporting on the scheme, Mr. Davidson stated that a while ago there had been a definite shortage of water in the reservoir. On December 5 springs had been running into the reservoir at tho rate of 101,000 gallons every 24 hours, and then on February 6 the flow into the reservoir was exactly half. At that time the water was pumped in at the rate of 40,000 gallons every night. The well would pump about 15,000 gallons in the first pumping. Even with the pump going now the reservoir was in a serious state of emptiness. If a fire broke out it would be a serious thing and the council would have to do something soon. On December 5 the flow was 265,000 gallons daily and today it was 387,000 gallons daily in the springs, representing a surplus of 122,000 gallons daily over the normal flow. Mr. Davidson pointed out that it was very heavy going where the men were draining and he thought that if they had three more men on the job it could be completed within a week and they would then be able to ascertain the amount of water available. The speaker asked permission to use some gelignite to stir up some of the creeks which had thus far not been tried out.

Crs. Hodd and Sturton moved that Mr. Davidson be authorised to open up the spring in the Bakfour estate and that he be allowed to use explosives at his discretion on the work.

Cr. Carthew opposed the motion, stating that the Health Department should be asked to give a report on the water availabsle and that nothing be done pending receipt of same. Cr. Moriarty seconded this, remarking that the site should have been inspected long ago. The speaker said he had ben sent to the council to raise his voince in favour of the Mangahao scheme.

Cr. Brown; You’re doing it. Cr. Moriarty then mnetioned that those who were opposed to it would be sent to municipal oblivion at tho next election.

Cr. Hodd’s motion was put io the meeting and carried.