WATER SUPPLY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 473, 16 August 1915, Page 5

WATER SUPPLY.

WAIMAKARIRI-ASHLEY BOARD.

A meeting of the WaimakaririAshley Water Supply Board was held on Thursday when ail the members attended, Mr M. J. Dixon presiding. The surveyor's report, which was approved, stated that during the previous 28 days the daily average depth of water on the sill of the intake at Brown's Rock headworks had been 3ft, and during the 23 days the water had been running the daily average depth of water passing the flume at Block cutting had been 2ft, giving an ample supply to the district. It was necessary at the beginning of the period to put in a bag dam below the gates to hold up sufficient water, as the river fell very low, and this work was just completed when two freshes occurred, rising to 7ft 9in and 9ft 6in on the gates. The river fell again to 2ft, and another "fresh" occurred, raising the water to 6ft 4in, and at date 3ft of watjr was on the gates. As the river was again falling, another bag dam was being placed in position to keep up the supply. The team had also been ploughing and scooping in the river bed, helping to maintain sufficient water on the sill of the intake. Owing to the falling tendency of the river it was necessary to keep a supply of bags on hand for emergencies, and this was being done. Mr S. Smith, Gust, was granted permission to carry a water race to his pond at his own cost, the race to be restored to its original course if required. It was agreed that in future ratepayers must pay for any concrete pipes supplied for race crossings. The surveyor was instructed to proclaim the making of a water race through certain sections in the East Eyreton district in accordance with the Act. Accounts amounting to £437 were passed for payment.