LAKE ST. JOHN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16233, 19 May 1916, Page 6

LAKE ST. JOHN.

PARTIAL DRAINAGE SCHEME. A work of considerable public interest has just been commenced By the Waiatarua Drainage Board, involving the partial draining of Lake St. John and the driving of a tunnel from the lake to the sea, which will result in the permanent reclamation of some 80 acres of land, which is dry in summer but swampy in winter. It is estimated that the work will take abont ten months, the approximate cost being £4000. The tunnel, which will be 2520 ft in length, will have an outlet close to the Orakei Basin, and— at a grade of about 1 in 50— connect with the lake by means 6f a well driven to the required level, the water being carried through the tunnel in a three-foot concrete pipe. There is a possibility that the tunnel may be used at a later date in connection with the city drainage scheme, and this point will be carefully considered before the work is completed. The depth of the lake is about 17ft, and it is estimated that the drainage scheme will reduce this level by 9ft or lift. By reclaiming the swampy edge of the lake, an even depth will be obtained, doing away with the shallow water covering a ledge extending round the shores of the lake. A scheme is under consideration by the owners of the land in the vicinity to beautify Lake St. John by forming a recreation ground and driveway to connect with the Ladies' Mile while a portion of the 80 acres to be reclaimed will be turned into a public reserve. e