The Star. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4991, 2 May 1884, Page 2

The Star. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.

Relative to the overflow from a sewer opening at the junction of Hereford and Madras streets, to which we called attention in our issue of Wednesday, we have been enabled to obtain information which places the matter in a different light, and exonerates the Drainage Board from any b!ame. It will be remembered that some time ago the City Council arrived at the conclusion * that tho Drainage Board's flushing tanks could be utilised for fire pre-

vention purposes, and that the necessary permission was obtained. The underground concrete tanks, which are supplied by artesians, are consequently kept full of water ; the opening from the tank to the sewer being closed by means of a valve. It is to the fact that this valve was closed, preventing the water from escaping by the sewer, that the overflow has occurred. But there is another necessary provision : the surplus artesian water must be led away to the side channel by means of an overflow pipe from the tank ; and we are given to understand that this requirement has now been fulfilled. It is satisfactory to find that there has not been the remotest cause for the uneasiness experienced by those who have made complaints to us on the subject. The underground tanks are absolutely independent of the sewers ; their water supply may be of immense value in checking outbreaks of fire ; and the waste water will do good service in keeping some of the side channels clean — a result much to be desired.