INAUGURATION OF THE PORT CHALMERS WATERWORKS.

Evening Star, Issue 3763, 16 March 1875, Page 2

INAUGURATION OF THE PORT CHALMERS WATERWORKS.

Yesterday afternoon tire first stone of the dam retaining wall of the Port Chalmers Waterworks reservoir was laid near Mr|Watson’S saw mill, on Sawyers’ Bay Creek. His Honor the Superintendent, the Mayors of Dunedin and Port Chalmers (Messrs K. Ramsay and A. M'Kinnon), Mr C. 2fi, Blair, consulting engineer to the Company, Mr Pearce, the contractor, Messrs J. H. Hams, J. S. Webb, and several gentlemen from Port Chalmers and Dunedin were present. . His Honor the Superintendent, in propos mg that the iMayor of Port Chalmers should proceed to lay the first stone, congratulated those present and the inhabitants of the Port on having at length commenced so necessary an undertaking as supplying Port Chalmers with water. The question of water supply had caused much discussion in the locality, and he trusted, now that a beginning had been made, all opposition to the plan determined upon would be withdrawn. Many said that the action of the Corporation] was plucky in undertaking a work that would cost so much money. He did not think so, as he thought it was one that would prove highly profitable. Had an individual possessed of the necessary capital obtained permission to supply the town, it would have been an investment that would have yielded him a handsome income for all time. In fact, he had been astonished that the Dunedin Waterworks Company had not long ago laid pipes along the railway line to supply Port Chalmers with water. However, it was, perhaps, better as it was. The results of a full supply would prove morally and physically advantageous to the inhabitants. Every one might have a bath in the house, and it was an old saying that cleanliness was next to godliness. It would also promote the sanitary welfare of the town. He sincerely hoped that the Corporation would not forget to establish public baths and washhouses—the latter, especially, would be very beneficial in promoting household comfort. Having been long connected with, and taking a deep interest in the affairs of the Port, he might be excused adverting to a matter not immediately connected with the question before them; he had often regretted that shipbuilding had been allowed to. languish, as compared with other parts of the Colony. Why should not the Province build its own vessels, instead of sending to Auckland, Australia, and Tasmania for them? Instead of one or two there ought to be twenty-building yards at the Port, with vessels on their stocks. —(Applause.) Ho hoped that Mr Keith Ramsay and other gentlemen directly interested in the shipping business would do all that lay in * /i l i P owev to promote and foster the industry. —(Cheers.) J Mi J. S. Webb, in a short speech, seconded the proposition.

Mr Pearce, the contractor for the work presented the Mayor of Port Chalmers with •’ handsome silver ho v,,1, « diver-mounted M,ua;e and plumb rule, and a silver-mounted mullet. Ihe mallet and square are of native wood, highly polished, and inscribed—“ Port Chalmers Water Supply.” The silver trowel bore the following inscription Presented to the Mayor, Andrew M‘Kinnon, Esq., February 1875; W. N. Blair, C.E.; W. tractor. The tools were prepared by Mr G. Young, of Dunedin.

Ihe Mayor op Port Chalmers, in a few words, acknowledged the compliment paid him by the proposer and seconder of the resolulon > and by those present, and in due form proceeded to test the accuracy of position of the stone. Having satisfied himself on that point, he poured some pure water upon it, named the reservoir the “ Macandrew Waterworks Reservoir, and expressed the hope that the supply of pure water to Port Chalmers, of the means of conveying which that stone was the initial, would prove a blessing to every inhabitant. Refreshments and wine were then handed round. The first toast was proposed by the Mayor of Dunedin, who congratulated them upon the successful commencement of the undertaking, and hoped to see it triumphantly carried out to a termination. Being so closely connected with the Dunedin Council, and having taken an active part in the long fight that Council had engaged in to obtain possession of the Dunedin Waterworks had given him much experience; and although the late Water Company had obtained llio best of the bargain, he had no doubt about th undertaking proving remunerative t Co an unmixed

blessing to Diiftedin. He had much pleasure in proposing success to the present undertaking. Mr M‘Dermid, late Mayor of the Port, seconded the proposition. Mr D. Miller had much pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to his Honor the Superintendent for his kind attendance that day. He (the speaker) was delighted to see the work commenced, although he had opposed it, being of opinion that as good a supply could have been attained elsewhere at less cost. He called upon those present to give three cheers for his Honor. Three cheers were heartily given, also three cheers for the undertaking, and as many for Mr Pearce, the contractor, and so terminated the laying of the foundation stone of the Port Chalmers Water works. In the evening A DINNER took place in the Provincial Hotel. The tables were decorated with flags and flowers, and the wines and viands were of the best description. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr H. M’Dermid, M.P.C. About forty gentlemen were present. Apologies were received from his Honor the Superintendent, the Mayor of Dunedin, Dr Drysdale, Messrs Taylor, Smith, Rolfe, and others. Numerous toasts were given, the principal being “The Mayor of Port Chalmers” and “Success to the Port Chalmers Waterworks.” In responding to the former Mr M‘Kinnon said that when he went into the Council five years ago, he was opposed to the water _ scheme through not understanding its details; hut having become convinced of its practicability he had used his utmost endeavors to have it successfully carried out, in order to further which he had been elected Mayor. In proposing the other toast Dr O’Donoghuh said every householder in the Port should assist to make the scheme successful. Some years ago the work might have been done for half the money, but if it cost twice Hie sum now it was a thing of the most importance. The introduction of water was on sanitary grounds a greater boon than many persons thought. In responding Mr M'Kenzib expressed the opinion that they were going to pay too much for the water scheme, which was the only reason he opposed it, although he thought the scheme would pay in about ten years. However, he would give his hearty support to the movement that had been so successfully initiated that day.