COLLAPSE OF THE NEW PLYMOUTH RESERVOIR.
The reservoir of the waterworks a New Plymouth has subsided and falle 11 in. The accident occurred at 2.30 yesterday afternoon at the side immediately opposite the valve tower. The water was turned off as soon as the accident was observed, so as to empty the reservoir, which was nearly full. Had it happened at night instead of during the day, the consequence would be even more disastrous. It appears that the hill against which the reservoir was built has subsided, and this has caused the basin to collapse. The damage done to the reservoir is irreparable, as the whole concrete basin has been fractured. The course of subsidence appears to have commenced at the opposite side of the basin from the valve tower, and from thence to the centre of the reservoir, where it breaks off at angles, thus completely dissecting a quarter of the basin. The reservoir is situated a dis tance of 15ft. from the side of a hill, which is very precipitous for a depth of over 300 ft., and the evident conclusion is that it has been built too near the edge of the cliff, which is composed of loose soil, and the full weight of the water has doubtless caused the hill to subside. The banka of the reservoir have not fallen, there being only a fissure in the earth.
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Bibliographic details
South Canterbury Times, Issue 3133, 18 April 1883, Page 2
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232COLLAPSE OF THE NEW PLYMOUTH RESERVOIR. South Canterbury Times, Issue 3133, 18 April 1883, Page 2
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