CHRISTCHURCH WATER SUPPLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1092, 29 December 1877, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH WATER SUPPLY.

A meeting of the committee formed on Anniversary Day, for the purpose of considering the best means of obtaining a water supply for Christchurch and suburbs, was hold at 8 p.m. yesterday, at the City Council Chambers. Present - The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. Thomson), the Mayor of Sydenham (Mr G-eo. Booth), Chairman of the Heathcote Road Board (Mr S. Manning), Cr. Ruddenklau, Messrs F. Hobbs and C. W. Turner. On the motion of Mr Turner, his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch was voted to the chair. The chairman said the present was a meeting appointed at the largo meeting held about a fortnight ago, to consider the expediency of initiating a water supply for the City of Christchurch and suburbs. Many of the gentlemen then appointed were absent now, and as power was given to add to the number of the committee, he would receive any names which might be proposed. The scheme suggested by Mr Superintendent Harris was simply for fire prevention purposes only, but many were of the opinion that the water supply should be for all purposes ; and if this were determined on, the first scheme would have to be abandoned, as the water to be used for the purpose was to have been brought in from the Heathcote, and that would not be pure enough for domestic purposes. Ten members were at present absent, and he (the chairman) should like to have an expression of opinion as to what course should be taken as a preliminary. It had been suggested that the question should be submitted to Mr Clarke, engineer, who would arrive shortly to report on the drainage scheme. Mr Turner said it might be perhaps as well to ask the City Council to offer premiums for the best scheme, after which the services of an expert could then be taken. The Chairman said he had just received a telegram from Mr Stevens who had missed the 15 p.m. train from Lyttelton. Mr Turner said it would bo as well as a preliminary to pass a draft resolution to the effect that the scheme should combine general with fire prevention purposes, Cr. lek here joined the meeting. Mr Turner moved the following motion “ This comaaittee ie of opinion that no water supply

scheme will be satisfactory which does not provide a supply of water suitable for household purposes as well as for fire prevention.” Mr Manning seconded the resolution, Cr Ruddenklau was of the idea that they should first have a professional opinion on the question, besides the meeting at present was a very small one. Cr. Tek agreed with the necessity of ’the resolution, as it was well known that some of the artesian wells had shown signs of giving out during the late drought. The resolution was put and agreed to. Messrs Nathan and Stevens here entered the room. Mr Hobbs moved—- “ That in the opinion of this committee it is desirable to obtain a report from Mr Clark, hydraulic engineer, upon the best method of obtaining a water supply for Christchurch and suburban districts, and that the City Council and Christchurch District Drainage Board be respectfully requested to give effect to the above.” He knew that Mr Clark was very anxious to return to England as quickly as possible, and would not lose a day more than was necessary. His (Mr Clark’s) terras from the Drainage Board were £SOO per month. Mr Stevens said it appeared to him that if the resolution were carried a definite responsibility would be accepted. Mr Hobbs said the Drainage Board had the power to expend money for such a purpose, as representing the suburban districts. The City Council as representing the citizens might be fairly asked to contribute towards such a report. The motion was seconded pro forma. Mr Turner moved as an amendment—” That the City Council be respectfully requested to offer premiums for a scheme for a water supply for Christchurch and suburbs, and that any schemes sent in be submitted to Mr Clark for his opinion.” Mr Stevens would like to know whether, in the event of Mr Clark disapproving of all the schemes, that gentleman would then be asked to furnish a report himself. Mr Turner said that in his opinion this course should not be taken, as he would not like to be bound by any single report. Cr. Ick seconded the amendment, and advocated local talent being employed, instancing a young non-professional man having obtained a premium for the best design for a water supply on the West Coast, in competition with the best professional talent in the colony. In reply to Mr Ruddenklau, Mr Turner said he would consider that £250 to £3OO would cover the whole of the preliminary expenses of the premiums and Mr Clark’s report. His object was to obtain the advantage of local talent, combined with Mr Clark’s technical knowledge. After further remarks the amendment was put and declared to be carried. Mr Hobbs suggested that the City Council might meet at an early date to consider the matter, as there was very little time to spare. It was understood that the Mayor would undertake to see to this. Mr Turner said that if there was any difficulty as to the question of funds he would make one to guarantee the money. A general opinion was expressed that there was little fear that the Council would object to vote the money for the premiums. The committee then adjourned.