WAINUIOMATA WATERWORKS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 6439, 2 December 1881, Page 6

WAINUIOMATA WATERWORKS.

In compliance with an invitation from Messrs Bayliss and Co., the contractors for the construction of a bridge across the two branches of the Hutt River in conue’ctiou with the Wainuiomata Waterworks, his Worship the Mayor, a number of City Councillors, Corporation officers, and citizens left the city by the 12.35 train iu the afternoon of Nov. 14 in order to take part iu the ceremony of driving the first pile in connection with the work. A special carriage, provided by the contractors, was in waiting at the Lower Hutt, and threequarters of an hour after their departure per train saw the party on the banks of the river near the racecourse. Finer weather for a day’s outing could not be desired. The sky was clear, aud the sun's heat was tempered by a mild southerly breeze. Messrs Bayliss aud Co. had already erected a stage on both banks of the eastern branch, and stretched a wire rope across the water. Flags were also displayed in honor of the occasion. A pile was also in position. After a few minutes conversation, Mr Bayliss gave a signal to the man at the winch, and the “ monkey” was drawn up. Mr Hutchison then stepped forward and allowed it to descend on the pile, which was lowered a distance of six inches. The ceremony being over, the party adjourned to the office of the contractor, situated about one hundred yards from the works, where a very substantial lunch was laid out. The ride from the city, combined with pure and fresh country air, had sharpened the appetite of all, and the contents of the table were therefore thoroughly appreciated, as was also a liberal supply of champagne aud other less costly liquids. The Mayor then proposed success to the contractors, Messrs Bayliss and Co., and took advantage of the opportunity to refer to the progress of the city, the magnitude of the waterworks which are now being carried out, and tha benefits which the city would derive from them.

Mr Bayliss responded and said that, believing that the bridge which had that day been commenced was the most important section of the work; ha had concluded that the driving of the first pile, which took tbe place of laying the foundation-stone, was a fitting opportunity for having a little ceremony, and his firm had therefore invited the gentlemen present to attend, and they were pleased that their proposal had met with such approval, as was testified by their acceptance of the invitation. He hoped that, provided the weather was favorable, they would complete their work within the specified time, and also that ere long they would see the new supply of water in tbe city.

A number of other toasts were also proposed, including “The health of the City Surveyor,” responded to by Mr L D. Baird ; “ The Vice-Chairman (Councillor Allen),” “The Press,” “The Chairman," and others. Although it was broad daylight, a number of songs further enlivened the proceedings. At 3.30 p.m. the party proceeded on the return journey, paying a visit to McNab's gardens on the way, the railway station being reached in good time for the 5.5 train. Altogether a most pleasant afternoon was spent.