Poverty Bay Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7544, 27 January 1896, Page 2

Poverty Bay Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING

QISBORNE, MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1890. THE At the meeting of tho Borough Council to-morrow overling tho desirability of providing a water supply for the borough will be brought up by Cr Harding. This question has often occupied the attention of the Council in the past— indeed every yeur ib Imb been discussed, but so far the only result to the inhabitants has boon lengthy newspaper reports of Councillors' speeches and— no water. Tho unusually long spell of dry weather wo have exporienced this summer has made the necessity of a water supply more keenly felt, and tho inconvonienco and discomfort of having to exercise the greatest economy in tho use of Lank wator, together with the dangor to liuulth in lifting wulor for drinking purposes thai the sun's blazing raya have been concentrated upon every day for many weeks, have aroused a greater interest in the subject than has been manifested for n long time. The chief points to hv considered are, first, whether sufficient water can bo found within a reasonably short, distance of tho borough, to supply the inhabitants all tho year round, and more especially during the summer months ; and tho cost of conducting such water into town. As far back as 17 years ago the Borough Council invited expert opinion on the question. In 1879 Mr George Black, C.E., reported adversely upon the feasibility of bringing in a supply by the Waimata river. In 1882 Messrs Tattley and Reynolds, Civil engineers, reported favorably on the Waihiriri creek as a source from whence to obtain the water. In February 1883,

Mr D. McLeod, C.E., wrote estimating tho cost of a reservoir at Waihiriri large enough to hold six million gallons, and laying six inch pipes from the reservoir to tho town at 1,17,000, while the utilisation of five inch pipes would cost L 12,000. The cost of supplying tho town by pumping, including cost of land, filter beds, clean water tanks, and laying down sufficient pumping machinery and erecting a stand-pipe with air cushion discharging into a five inch pipe leading to town, Mr McLeod estimated would cost LIO.OOO. In March 1883 Mr R. H. Browne, C.E., submitted proposals for supplying the borough. His scheme was based on a supply of 50 gallons per head for a population of 3000, and provided for four miles of main and branch piping within the borough boundaries. He intimated his willingness to undertake the construction of the necessary works for L 12.500. He proposed to store the waters of the Waihiriri creek in a small reservoir at an elevation of about 250 feet above sea level, and diverting the water by means of iron pipes laid from the reservoir to the town by the most direct route to the west boundary of the borough near Gladstone road thence continued down that thoroughfare to the Post Office, and of about two miles of reticulation pipes for tho side streets. The size and length of pipes propoaed to be used was : 7 miles Bin, 2 miles Bin for mains, and 1 mile each of 3in nnd 4in for branch services. Regarding the suitability of the water from Waihiriri for drinking purposes, the Government analyst reported favorably on 21st April, 1882. We have been informed that the Waihiriri was visited on Thursday last, and though there has been no rain for many weeks, there was an abundant Row of clear waterindeed, in some places in was sufficiently deep to permit of natatory exercise being indulged in. Tho cost of bringing the water from this locality should not be so great as estimated by Mr R. H. Browne, C.E., in 1883. Labor is no dearer, and material has cheapened since that yoar. We trust, however, that the. whole question will be thoroughly gone into by the Council, not with a view of having reports submitted, and immediately relegated to the oblivion of pigeon-holes, but with the object or providing a water supply for the town. We are fully aware that many obstacles to the successful carrying out of project may ba raised, but it is hardly necessary to remind Councillors that there is not much intelligence required in showing how a water supply may not be brought in. It is admitted that a water supply is required, and Councillors should approach the subject with a desire to provide a long-felt want, and to discover the best and cheapest way of improving the conveniences of the burgesses in this respect. Innumerable reasons might be advanced in favor of the proposal, but it is unnecessary to recapitulate them at this juncture, as the trying experience of the burgesses during the past few weeks has shown beyond any necessity for demonstration the desirability of the Council .taking steps to provide an efficient water supply for the town. The proceedings of the Council to-morrow evening will be looked forward to with more than ordinary interest, and we trust that some practical results will emue from its deliberations.