GREAT ACCIDENT AT THE

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4318, 17 April 1883, Page 2

GREAT ACCIDENT AT THE

WATERWORKS.

THE RESERVOIR DESTROYED. Shortly after 2.30 p.m. to-day tho reservoir at the Waterworks burst at the side, immediately opposite the valve tower. The accident was noticed a few minutes after its occurrence, and the water was immediately turned on, so as to empty the reservoir as speedily as possible. The reservoir was nearly full at the time of the accident, and had it happened in the night instead of during the day the consequences would have been even more disastrous. It was at first supposed that the immediate cause of the accident was due to an earthquake, as fissures- were traced in the hill for a distance of over 100 feet on each side of the reservoir. The fact, however, appears to be that tho hill itself has subsided, and thus caused tho reservoir to collapse. The damage done to the reservoir is irreparable, aa the whole concrete basin has been fractured. The course of the subsidence appears to have commenced at the opposite side of the reservoir from the valve tower, and from thence to the centre of the basin, where it breaks off at right angles, thus completely dissecting a quarter of the baßin from the remaining part. The reservoir is situated at a distance of 150 feet from the side of the hill, which is very precipitous for a depth of over 300 feet, and the evident conclusion is that the reiervoir has been built too near the edge of the hill, which is composed of a loose, friable soil, and the full weight of water in the reservoir has doubtless caused the bill to subside in the manner already mentioned. If the reservoir had been taken 200 feet nearer the road it is probable the accident would never have occurred. The banks of the reservoir have not fallen in, there being only a fissure in the earth. The loss will be great, whether it falls on the contractors or the Borough Council, as a new site will have to be chosen, and a new reservoir built.