THE WATERWORKS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 26 November 1880, Page 2

THE WATERWORKS.

The Acting-Engineer reported upon the waterworks as follows at last night's meeting of the Borough Council: — I have the honor to report on the state of the Waterworks, as follows, viz. : At the inlet, owing to the steady weather we have experienced this season, and the gradual melting of the snow on the ranges, the river has continued in a very satisfactory condition, and the supply of water into the race continues to be all that can be desired. In regard to a statement that has been made that it is principally the Maerewlienua water that is conveyed in the race, no doubt there is a modicum of the Maerewhejiua water mixed with the Waitaki at the intake, but the discoloratipn it sometimes qarries with it is comparatively slight, and never reaches beyond Peeblestown, or less than

half the distance to the reservoir, the water thereafter running as pure as in the Waitaki.

On the Papakaio section a number of weak places have given way, and been sodded up again since my last report. Altogether over 160 lineal feet of the race has been taken out, and replaced with sod work of a substantial character. This has necessitated the water being turned off twice for a period of a fortnight, during which the reservoir has gone down 2ft Gin and 3ft respectively. For these repairs I have not had to employ much labor additional to the regular maintenance men.

Messrs. Charles Days and Patrick Mullins finished their contracts at the reservoir a fortnight ago, which completes all contracts for construction.

The whole of the small box overbyes will be in by the end of next week. The water was turned on again at the Awamoko this morning. The greatest height of water in the reservoir with the present bank will not exceed 33ft 6in or 34ft above the supply pipe. It stands at present at 30ft. In regard to the question of what provision there is made for carrying diity water from farm yards, Sc., away from the race, I may state that there are only three farm houses above and contiguous to the race, viz., Messrs. JamesM'Auly's, Johnston's, and A. Hutchison's. At Mr. Hutchison's the whole race is covered in for a. considerable distance. Mr. Johnston's ground is thoroughly well provided with overbyes, so that all danger of pollution is obviated. Probably it would be advisable to have catch-water drains, and an overbye put in near Mr. M'Auly's below his slaughter yards, although I do not apprehend any serious danger of pollution from that source either.