VISIT TO BROWN'S ROCK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5567, 16 May 1896, Page 7

VISIT TO BROWN'S ROCK.

At nine o'clock yesterday morning the Hou J. M'Kenzie was taken to Brown's Rock to inspect the water-works in progress there. He was accompanied by the Water Supply Board and the members for Kaiapoi and Ashley. Had it not been for the delays in the works and other difficulties experienced by the , Board, the works v/ould have been completed some time ago. As it. is Mr J. W. Thomas is pushing on the tunnel rapidly, and expects to have it finished in six weeks. Mr D. M'Grath's contract, which was nearly completed, has temporarily been brought to a standstill. A considerable length of the excavation for the waterway has been partially filled by landslips from the side of the terrace along which the race is to run, but a week or two's work will put this right. The extremely porous character of the face of the terrace is the principal cause of the delay in completing the work. The Minister of Lands expressed his satisfaction at the excellent way in which the work in the tunnel is being carried out, and also, after inspecting the < race for a distance of about three mile 3, said that he fully recognised the difficulties which the Board had met, and appreciated the practical way in which they were . prosecuting the work.

On leaving for Rangiora to take the evening train for Christchurch, Mr M'Kenzie was heartily thanked by the Chairman of the Board for his visit.