LYTTELTON WATER SUPPLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1040, 25 October 1877, Page 3

LYTTELTON WATER SUPPLY.

PUBLIC CELEBKATIOX. Yesterday was a great day lor Lyttelton, as the Heathcote Valley pumping station and reservoir, together -with the Government piping through the tunnel, and other plant connected with these works, were formally handed over to the Borough Council, by Mr Lowe, the Kailway Engineer, acting on behalf of the Government. The holiday proclaimed by the Mayor was, we need hardly say, kept very strictly, every one in Lyttelton, however differing in opinion on other subjects, being thoroughly alive to the great benefit conferred on the town by an abundant supply of good water. Even from the days before Lyttelton yet was, the difficulty of procuring an adequate supply of water on the only spot available for the site of the Port town was an important question, and local tradition avers that the first pilgrims took the laudable precaution to bring with them in the hold of one of those first four ships which have since become so famous, a quantity of iron piping for the purpose of conducting the fresh water from Sumner, via the seaside! An idea doomed to be as summarily dissipated at tight of fthe fground to be operated on as the kindred intention of building the metropolis on the Port Cooper shore. At first, with a limited population located ;it it low level, and with the various si reams from the yet undestroyed bush on the hill* in flow nearly all the year round, the water question no doubt took a secondary rank to'.the bread question, sometimes pressing enough during the early struggles of the young colony, but the necessity of a reliable wafer supply was nevertheless constantly and increasingly present to all thinking men interested in the rising town. iii engineer of eminemje m the early history of the settlement is understood _ to have contemplated the possibility of carrying water from the Purau stream under the barber, an idea which was revived in a modified

form a few years ago in the Charteris Bay scheme, divested of the insuperable objection to the Purau scheme—its liability to have the pipes displaced by vessels' anchors. Proposals were occasionally mooted to supply the town from reservoirs, to be formed in the gullies at the back. But apart from the danger inseparable from such a method, especially in sucli declivities, coupled with the uncertainty of supplies depending solely on the rainfall, variable at best, the constant spreading of the town upwards wherever building space was available, precluded any hope of obtaining the supplies by such means. In 1868, after the Tunnel stream had become a much-used adjunct to the few and overtaxed wells of the town, the well-known Tunnel scheme was matured, by which it was proposed as the only course within the limited means of the Borough Council of that day to elevate the Tunnel water by means of hydraulic rams to a reservoir in Winchester street. The Provincial Council, at the request of the Lyttelton members, granted a quantity of piping for the purpose, but Mr H. B. Webb and others thought the water unfit for human consumption, from the quantity of sulphate of lime and other minerals it contained. A public meeting (the largest ever held in Lyttelton) took place in the Colonists' Hall, and the scheme was rejected. The disastrous fire of 1870 for a time prostrated the energies of the townspeople, but after the first year or two of uphill struggle had been successfully passed, the endeavour to obtain a water supply was resumed, and this time on a scale more commensurate with the now assured future, not to say present, prosperity and importance of the town. The Hon. E. Bichardson, then a member for Lyttelton in the Provincial Council, moved that £IOO should be granted by the Council for drawing up a report (accompanied with plans and specifications) as to the best method of supplying Lyttelton with water. The General Government allowed the services of Mr Higgenson, and he drew up a most careful report. He stated that after a thorough investigation he was of opinion that the supply from the gullies at the back of the town would not be sufficient, in addition to which there was a doubt regarding the quality of the water, and he also was strongly against another scheme which at that time had considerable popidarity, by which it was proposed to bring water into the town round the Head of the Bay and Governor's Bay, from a splendid spring situated in Charteris Bay on the other side of the harbor. His objection to the latter scheme was the great expense it would entail from the length of piping required. Instead of these schemes he advocated strongly that artesian wells should be sunk at the nearest possible spot to the tunnel and the water pumped into a reservoir on the side of the hill, and thence carried through the tunnel by pipes for the supply of the town and shipping. He estimated the cost of the work at £IO,OOO. In the 40th session of the Provincial Council in 1874 it was agreed, on the motion of Mr H. R. Webb, that the sum of £II,OOO should be granted for carrying out the scheme'recommended by Mr Higgenson, the successful accomplishment of which was celebrated yesterday at Lyttelton. The day selected for this water festival was most happily chosen, being the anniversary of the great fire. Nothing could be more appropriate than to celebrate the possession of adequate means to extinguish fire on the anniversary of that day when seven years ago the people of Lyttelton had to stand helplessly by and see their town reduced to a heap of ashes. Like all other great works, including our Lyttelton Breakwater, the water supply scheme has had many opponents, who have prophesied that it would never be successfully accomplished, and sometimes with a show of reason, for as in all other cases difficulties had to be overcome. At first a number of separate artesian wells were sunk, but it was found that one reduced the flow in another, and then the present scheme of sinking a deep well, from the bottom of which large pipes should be driven into the artesian strata was resolved on and successfully carried out, the result being a flow of water more than sufficient for the needs of Lyttelton and the shipping. Certainly Lyttelton may be congratulated on possessing three such triumphs of mechanical skill against natural obstacles as the Tunnel, the Breakwater, and the Water Supply Works, and so may those who have for years and years persistently persevered in endeavoring to procure for Lyttelton what she now possesses —a really good supply of water. We refrain from particularising purposely, as many might be omitted who have greatly aided in the good work ; but the members of the different Municipal bodies who have governed the town have nearly always been warm advocates for a good and constant water supply, and have worked hard to procure it for the borough. THE WOEKS. We will now give a short description of the works, both in the Heathcote Valley and at Lyttelton. The pumping station is situated about midway between Hillsborough and the Heathcote Valley, and occupies an acre of land. The engine house is a handsome erection of brick, and contains three rooms, viz., the engine room, boiler room, and coal shed. A very pretty little three-roomed cottage for the resident engineer occupies a corner of the section. The buildings were erected by Mr Lake of the Heathcote Valley, who seems to have done his work thoroughly. The engine and boilers, as before stated, are situated in a handsome brick | building, which is about 40ft. high, the foundations being of brick, stone, and cement,, carefully laid to a depth of Bft., the engines being secured by bolts which are of the same length, going from the top to the bottom of these foundations. The building was finished and ready to receive machinery about October Ist, 1876; but the work of getting it in and putting the engines together did not commence till November Ist. The engine-room is 25ft. x 15£t., and contains two engines which were made by Messrs Fawcett and Preston, of Liverpool. They are compound condensers, with direct action from the piston rod to the plunger, working at a pressure of 501bs. per square inch on the boiler; the high-pressure piston has a stroke of 7iin., and the low-pressure one of 15in., each engine being capable of pumping 110,000 gals. into the reservoir in twelve hours, the pumps they work being double-acting force-pumps, with 9in. plunger and 30in. stroke. The boiler-house is 24£t. square, and contains two handsome Cornish boilers, fitted with copper steam pipes, copper and brass fittings, and all the latest appliances. They are sft. in diameter and 12ft. long. On the Christehurch side of the engine-house is situated the well from which tho water is pumped: it is sft. in diameter and 25i't. deep, and the How of water into it was so great •if tho time it was being made that the services of the railway steam firo engine were constantly needed to pump out tho water ' while the bottom was made secure. In the

centre of the bottom of the well are 5-inch pipes driven into the artesian strata which keep up a continuous and most abundant flow into the well, from which it is pumped by the ! engines into a reservoir hnlf-a-mile distant, on j a spur of the port hills, through an 8-inch l main. The level of the water in the reservoir is 210 feet above the sea, that is, a little higher than the upper side of Exeter street in port. This reservoir is dug out of the solid rock, with concrete (cement plastered) at bottom and sides. It is crescent shaped, is 9ft. 6in. deep, and holds 500,000 gals. of water. Should there ever be such a demand for water as to keep the pumps continually going it is thought tbe well may, for the time, be lowered so much that sand would be drawn up through the pumps, greatly to the detriment of both the water and the machinery. This difficulty may, however, be very easily obviated by making a surface reservoir at the works, which would catch the surplus water that now runs to waste. At present when the engines are not at work 48gal. flow to waste every minute, a quantity which, if collected, would almost suffice to supply the town. It is calculated that a reservoir to hold 70,000ga1. could be made at a cost not exceeding £SOO, and would amply suffice for the purpose. When the engines are at work no less than 24gal. of condensed water run from them per minute, and of course are lost. By making another small reservoir this also could be saved and utilised again for the engines, thereby effecting another considerable saving at a small cost. Mr Donkin, we believe, first suggested this. The works were completed last Christmas, and were built from Mr Higgenson's designs, Mr Cuthbert superintending their erection. Mr Nicholas Kent, who has now charge of the works, put the engines together. These engines, and in fact the whole of the works, were in splendid order when we visited them, testifying to the great care exercised by Mr Kent. From the reservoir sin. pipes take the water through the tunnel to the Gladstone Pier, a distance of 196 chains, or .nearly two and a half miles. From these Sin. pipes branch off to each of the wharves. The Bin. mains which carry the water from the pumping station to the reservoir were made in Canterbury, but all the rest, both in the tunnel and throughout Lyttelton, were imported. The town pipes join those laid by the Government at the passenger railway station, Lyttelton. More than two and a half miles of them are laid, so that there is over five miles of piping altogether. The pipes run through Norwich Quay, Dublin street, London street, Winchester street, Canterbury street, Exeter street, Oxford street, St. David's street, Sumner road, the Bridle Path, and Ticehurst road. Four-inch pipes are laid up Canterbury street to its junction with Winchester street, and up Oxford street to London street, the remainder of the pipes are three-inch. The laying of the piping commenced in March, and was all finished in the middle of April. The Government pipes were tested in July; though a few pipes burst, the work as a whole may be considered as satisfactory, and reflecting great credit on Mr Cuthbert, the Government enginaer, and those under him. Later on an application was made to the Government for permission to test the Lyttelton pipes, and a trial took place of the most satisfactory nature. Not a single pipe burst, and there was not a single leaky joint discovered, a result which not only speaks well for Mr Donkin, who at that time was borough engineer, but also fer Mr Lowden, the foreman of works, under whose personal superintendence the whole of the pipes were laid, and whose care and attention were unceasing and merit the warmest approbation. One pipe in Norwich quay, which had been put down broken by accident, had to be replaced, but, with that exception, not a single flaw has been discovered in the works to the present time. The Borough Council, after mature consideration, resolved, after the pipes had been successfully laid, to have a reservoir made at the height the water would reach in Lyttelton, in order that, if any accident occurred on the Valley side, a week's supply could be secured to the town whilst repairs were being executed. Accordingly, tenders were called for the construction of a reservoii in Canterbury street, above Exeter street, to hold 70,000 gallons. The successful tenderers were Messrs Dix and Collier, who have pushed on the work with great vigour, for, although only a month has elapsed since the contract was let, the whole of the excavation is finished, and the first brick was laid on Tuesday morning last. The reservoir j is situated under the footpath of Canterbury street, on the cast side, just above its junction with Exeter street, between Captain Sproul's and Mr H. R. Webb's. It is 70ft long, 12ft. Gin. wide, and 12ft. 6in. deep, and is connected with the mains by means of a pipe laid 15ft. below the surface of the road. The walls are to be 14in. in tbickness of brickwork lined with a coating of plaster of Jin. As before stated, the reservoir will hold 70,000ga1. THE DEMONSTRATION. Yesterday morning broke threateningly, and occasional sharp showers seemed to intimate that Jupiter Pluvius, who has slept so soundly this spring, was determined to be present at the festival of his artesian brother. As the day advanced, however, the weather prospects appeared to be brighter, and soon after 10 a.m. the sun shone out gloriously, and the wind grew less chill. The town was j was very prettily decorated, and all the ' shipping were festooned with Hags. Besides the usual show of bunting in London street, two rows of flags were stretched right across, and a very handsome fountain, supported by rock work, was erected on the stand pipe in London street, near its junction with Canterbury street. The rockwork and basins of the fountain were filled with foliage of various sorts, ferns, arum lilies, and a number of other flowers, which looked delightfully refreshing as the bright spray tumbled over them. Canterbury street,, Norwich quay, Oxford street, and. all the private houses throughout the town were gay with colors, and Mr Yule had his signal pole at the Gladstone Pier decorated with flags, which read in the signal code as follows :—" Natives will not allow shipping to have the water without paying for it." The members of the Council and Mr Inspector Sowden and his men were very busy during the morning making the final preparations, but about noon all business was suspended and they and the town generally donned their holiday garments. We forgot in mentioning the decorations to state that in the centre of the line of flage|hung from the Empire Hotel to the opposite side of London street, was suspended a fat rat, with the motto "antifamine" on a big piece of cardboard. The Lytboltoa fire prevention bodies mustered at the enginehouss Bhortly after 2 p.m., and marched to the station, where quite a number of guests assembled, including hie Worship the Mayor, tho Council, Dr.

Donald, E.M., the clergymen of the various denominations, the Harbor-master, Postmaster and Telegraphist, Insurance agents, Sergeant-Major, Mr H. R. Webb, Mr Donkin, and several other Lyttelton residents and the officers of the Council. Mr Conyers, Railway Superintendent, and Messrs Lowe and Cuthbert, engineers, were also present. About 3 p.m. the train left the Lyttelton station, and on arrival at the Heathcote Valley all got out and proceeded to the reservoir, after an inspection of which they went down hill to the pumping station. On arrival there, the works were inspected and admired by the visitors, after which a ring was formed round the well, and his Worship the Mayor and Mr Lowe occupied the centre. His Worship said that Mr Lowe had been deputed by the Government to hand over the works. Mr Lowe said that it seemed strange that one who was almost a stranger had been called on to perform such a duty. However, he would do his best. The whole works had, he believed, been constructed under Mr Higgenson's superintence, Mr Cuthbert having seen them properly carried out. It was only just at the completion of the works that he had been put in charge of them. He had been present at the trial of the pipes when one of them burst, and there had been such a nice fountain in the Tunnel, and he hoped there would be no more displays of that sort, but no doubt from the length of time they had been now in use they had been fully proved and were all right. He sincerely hoped that it would be an entire success, and that all Lyttelton would benefit by it. The water was, he believed, of undeniable quality. He had received instructions to hand over the works to the Borough that day, and was most glad to do so. [Cheers.] His Worship the Mayor said that, on behalf of the Corporation and people of Lyttelton, he begged to thank him for the handing over the works to the town. This was a day that had been looked forward to for many years in Lyttelton. The value of the supply for extinguishing fire had been proved a few weeks ago when a fire in London street 'had been put out in a few moments that would without doubt, had the water not been through, have destroyed thousands of pounds' worth of property. He did not know if they remembered it, but seven years ago that very day the whole of the business portion of Lyttelton was consumed, and the inhabitants could do nothing but look on and witness the destruction of their property, having no appliances at hand. Thank goodness they were now safe from any such exigency. He thanked the Government for the kindness and courtesy they had shown during the time negotiations for handing over the works had been going on, and he hoped now the works were handed over, their relations with the Government would continue as amicable. He called on them to give three hearty cheers for Messrs Lowe and Cuthbert.

Hearty cheers were then given for these gentlemen, and an adjournment took place to the back of the engine house, where prosperity to the new works was drunk in bumpers of champagne. The train from Christchurch arrived in a few minutes and stopped at the works to take aboard the party, and there was a merry ride to port. A number of visitors from Christchurch were in the train, including the Christchurch and Rangiora Fire Brigades and the Christchurch Fire Police. On arrival at Lyttelton the party formed in procession at the station, Toomer's band leading, followed in succession by the Christchurch Fire Brigade, Christchurch Fire Police, Lyttelton Fire Brigade, Rangiora Fire Brigade, and Lyttelton Fire Police, after which marched his Worship the Mayor, the Town Council, and officers, and the guests. The procession marched up Oxford street and along London street, forming a circle round the fountain ■which had been erected at the junction of London and Canterbury streets. His Worship the Mayor then stepped forward. He said that day was one of the most important Lyttelton had yet seen. From its first establishment the one great want of Lyttelton had been an abundant supply of good water, and this had been a constant reproach against the town ; but all this was now past, as they had a supply adequate for all their wants. He was proud to see such a large body of Volunteer Fire Brigades and Police present, sworn enemies of fire. [Hear, hear.] That day, selected by chance at first, happened to be the anniversai'y of the great fire of 1870, and he was happy to think that now such a supply had been handed over to them such an accident could not again occur under ordinary circumstances. Not only would the supply bo useful for fire extinguishment and for household purposes, but also for flushing the drains, and thus preventing the spread of sickness in their town. The quantity which had been taken at the hydrants since the supply had been available showed how much the inhabitants took advantage of the boon granted them. As there was much to do, the brigades wishing to try the height to which the water would rise at the various levels, he would not detain them longer. His Worship then turned on the tap at the fountain, and as the water rose declared the works formally opened, amid loud and continued cheering. The band and Brigades again formed in ppocession, and marched to the Canterbury corner, where there was hydrant practice; they then proceeded to the Union Bank, and afterwards to Winchester street, at the Church corner, where the hose was also attached to the stand pipe, and the efficiency of the supply and the force of the water tested. The procession then marched to the Engine shed, where a dismissal took'place till dinner time. The dinner took place at the Oddfellows' Hall, at 6.30 pm. Covers were laid for 150 persons, and the tables were nearly filled. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, supported by Dr. Donald and the Mayor of Christchurch, the vice-chairs being taken by Messrs Allwright, McDonald, McClatchie, and Willcox. The hall was decorated with flags draped round the walls and native flax, Toomer's band occupying the platform and playing at intervals. Mr Hunter was providore, and placed a very nice cold dinner on the table, very fairly arranged—the flowers | placed at intervals giving a gay appearance. [The report of the speeches at the dinner we are compelled to hold over.] At the conclusion of the dinner all adjourned to the engine-house, from which the torchlight procession was to start. The various bodies being formed, the five engine led the way, followed by the band of the Christchurch Brigade and Fire Police, Lyttleton and Rangiora lire brigades, and Lyttleton Fire Police. .Some rockets having been fired, the procession started. Every member of the fire prevention bodies earned torches, \md there was a plentiful supply of coloured fires and other fireworks, which had a very beautiful effect, lighting up the town as if it was broad day. Halts were made at the

Canterbury corner, Mitre Hotel, Oddfellows' Hall, the Mayor's house, and the fountain in London street, and rockets discharged. Besides this sevei'al private people let off a number of fireworks, adding to the beauty of the scene. Close behind the procession marched a fife and drum band, known as "The Larrikin's Band. " They played capitally, and greatly aided in keeping those in step who were too far distant to hear the leading band. The streets were crowded, all the people of Lyttleton and a large number of visitors from Christchurch being present to witness the first Lyttelton torchlight procession. The fireworks were some of them presented by ships lying in harbor, and some by Christchurch friends, which added greatly to those provided by the town. After a march through all the principal streets the men were dismissed at the engine-shed. Thus ended the opening of the Lyttelton waterworks. From first to last the whole thing was a great success, the greatest spirit being shown throughout. Those who had the management may be congratulated on their entire success.