Wingatui Bore Pump Will Not Be Working Before Next Summer

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27389, 15 May 1950, Page 4

Wingatui Bore Pump Will Not Be Working Before Next Summer

A report on the break-down of the motor unit connected with the pumping apparatus at the Wingatui bore has been sent to the manufacturers in England, and their reply will decide whether the pump can be repaired in Dunedin or will have to be sent overseas. This information was given to the Daily Times on Saturday by Cr N. D. Anderson, chairman of the City Council Water Committee. He did not think that the pump would be in operation again for at least six months.

Cr Anderson said that the Dunedin agents of the manufacturers had prepared a report for their British principals and the reply would decide what had to be done with the motor unit. It seemed probable that the unit would have to be sent back to England. “ It is fortunate that the pump has broken down at the start of' winter when the water supply position is improving,” Cr Anderson said. It was intended to use the pump for about two months each year during the real drought period in summer. Although there had been a diminution in the city water supply for a later period this year, the situation had not been as acute as in previous years, Cr Anderson continued. It was thought that the position would improve rapidly. Every effort was being made to have the repairs carried out with the utmost speed, Cr Anderson said, but he did not think the pump would be ready ready in less than six months. The council would give a full report on the repairs when a reply was received from the manufacturers. Cr Anderson said that the restrictions on the use of water in Dunedin “ definitely would not be removed in the meantime.” Further difficulties with the water supply were not expected with the approach of winter, but he could not predict what the winter weather would be like. Cr Anderson said that the report on the improvement of Dunedin’s water supply should come before a meeting of the City Council either next month or in July. Whatever project was favoured, the cost would be great. The project will be financed by a loan, and the Daily Times understands that a poll of the ratepayers will be held on the proposals as soon as they are decided by the City Council.