LAKE ST. JOHN WORKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16762, 31 January 1918, Page 4

LAKE ST. JOHN WORKS.

FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIRED. Tire work being carried out by the WaiataruA Drainage Board for the reduction of the level of Lake St. John is progressing steadily. The tunnel from the lake to Orakei Basin is being rapidly cleared of the silt which accumulated during the premature inundation last winter, and it is anticipated that the work of concreting the tunnel will be commenced in a fortnight's time. It has taken some time to repair the damage caused by the collapse of the tunnel near the lake; in fact, the engine which was used to haul u]j the mullock from the drive, and which disappeared when the tunnel collapsed, has not yet been recovered, but it will'probably be raised within a few weeks. Additional drainage work at the Ellerslie end of the lake is about to be undertaken jby the board. These operations will inI elude the clearing out and opening up of former drains and "water-courses excavated about 40 years ago. By this means it is hoped that a considerable volume of water will disappear into the numerous caverns in that locality, ultimately finding its way to the Manukau foreshore. The board hopes to be able to complete the whole of its operations in connection with Lake St. John within the next six months.