OUR WATER SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 58, 2 December 1919, Page 2

OUR WATER SUPPLY

PROPOSED NEW DAM

TESTING FOR FOUNDATIONS

"In two holes they have hollowed on solid rock and tho third hole, now down 40ft., shows indications of a 6ecuro roes formation. Two other holes havo yot to be sunk to make quito euro of the right bottom for the big new dam." In giving tho above information as to progress work at Wainui the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) stated yesterday that tho work of testing- tho ground was necessarily slow. The two last holes wero not likely to take so long to sink aa thoir predecessors, and it was hoped that the impediments encountered in sinking the third hole would not recur. With tho full information as to tho natureof the formation in the valley at tho point selected for a eito for the dam the work could be proceeded with as soon as the money was made available. ' "I do not believe," eaid the Mayor, "that tho people of Wellington have any adequate idea as to the comprehensive manner in rthick Mr. Morton (City Engineer) has reported on the future water supply. His report is a clear and voluminous document, which not only'considers the needs of Wellington of to-day, but Wellington as it will Bβ a quarter of ft century hence, with a population of 200,000 and over. My personal opinion is that Mr. Morton lias not in the least degree been extravagant in ■ his anticipations, but rather ! his report shows considerable foresight, without which nothing great can be accomplished in city building. Tho sources of water eupply he hoe taken into consideration do not end at the Wainui— they only begin, thore. Ho discusses tho Orongorongo stream, the'Hutt Elver (above tho Pukeratahi stream): the little Akatarawa, and the Whakataki Eiversj and not only goes into detail- about the measured flow of such streams, their impoundmeiii; for conservation purposes, but gives valuable information- a 8 to ■-■ tho approximate cost of the main reticula-. tion needed to bring such water. into the city.. Not only ie the report an instruction .on the bast course to. nursup at present, but it is a valuable document to tlio city for all time." Cost of Proposed Works. "The cost of the works proposed to be commenced next vear," said Mr. Lulce, "is, according to the report, J2540,G50, hut at tlie present rate of increase in tho price of everything- it is likely .to be a good deal more than that. Here are tho items:— ■ ' .'.,.''£ New 800,000,000-galloh dam ....... 120,000 Now 3flin. main through city, re-.. '. : duced to 18in. at Kilbirnie, and ■ ■ new tunnel for mains through \ Botanical Gardens to .Norway. Street ; .198,000 Extending existing 21in. main : from western sido of .Wainui . .. Hill to Morton dam 35,000 Extending existing 24in. main.., . 30,000 New tunnel (Wainui Hill) , 18.000 Alterations to existing" mains '.:.'.' 3,000 Cosi tteqiiiring private properties, ' way leaves, etc. :...... 7,500 New tunnel (George Creek to Orongorongo) 80,000 -■Total :........■...;...... JJ491,500 Contingencies .........:.....,.; " 49,150 "■ i Grand total .-.1...'.....: