SUB-STATION FLOODED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21086, 12 July 1938, Page 8

SUB-STATION FLOODED

Good Work By Staff During the storm on July 1 Strathallan Street sub-station was flooded and the fire engine had to be used to pump out the water. The matter was referred to by the electrical engineer (Mr A. E. Watkins) in a report to the Council last night as follows: —“On Friday, July 1 due to the heavy rain and pressure of water in the sewer in Strathallan Street the wooden plug from the sewer drain, Strathallan Street sub-station was forced out and as our pump could not cope with the water we obtained the services of the fire engine to pump out the water in the sub-station. There was approximately 5 feet of water in the sub-station. The watertight door at one end of the passage held and gave no trouble. To put in this plug and allow the fire engine to lower the level of the water two of the men got undressed in the street and dived under the water and fitted the plug. One of these was an apprentice, J. Feely and the other J. G. Heath. I consider that a small recognition of their services by the Council would be appreciated by these men—particularly the apprentice. It will be appreciated by the Council that we have £l5OO of equipment in this sub-station and if this desperate measure had not been taken it is quite possible that the power would have been shut off from the main part of the town for some considerable time.”

The Electricity Committee reported that it was of opinion that the two officers concerned were to be highly commended for their prompt action and that the apprentice, Mr Feely be paid £l/1/- in recognition thereof.