The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 12th, 1924. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 12th, 1924. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Tiif, position in regard to the local water supply was explained very clearly in the report of Mr Mclvor, the Borough Overseer, to the Council on Friday night. The line of pipes are in a defective condition due apparently to neglect. A complete inspectional overhaul is about to take place, hut enough has been said to indicate the probable cause of the shortened supply. The air valves generally are inoperative. This has come about either through ignorance or neglect. It is alleged that some years ago, a number of air valves were closed, while it is clear others have become blocked by neglect. The want of the valves has caused air locks in the pipes which blocks the free flow of the water, and suggests a cause why half or less than half of the quantity the line is capable of carrying, not reaching the reservoir. This is a time of the year when the warm water throws oil a greater quantity of air in the pipes, thus intensifying the difficulty which causes a restricted flow. What has been reported certainly affords a clue as to the failure of the supply to equal that of the early days of- the life of the pipe-line, and the position should be followed up to see exactly how the matter might be

remedied. When the water was brought in first, there was a Hush of water, with air excess lor power purposes. Gradually however the supply diminished, until there was a more or less serious position.. This lveurs from time to time, and it is not right that u> acute a position should have to ho faced so ulteii. As far as can lie {leaned there is no break in the race. Hie defect, or Hie main cause, it is not unlikely arises from the series of air locks, and if these were faced no doubt there would he an improvement immediately in the How of the water. It is important, therefore, to concentrate on this aspect and note the effect. It seems very improper that air valves "hhli were put in by the Engineer for a particular purpose should have been allowed to go out of action. The neglect should he made good at nine. An effective water supply is of the highest importance to the town for both sanitary* and lire purposes, and tile Council will he neglecting nil obvious duty if the work of overhaul is not concentrated upon as the most pressing of the moment. It- Would appear that ii Mr Melvor the Council has an officer experienced in the matter of a water slip; Iv. and fullest use should he made of his knowledge in seeing that the supply is made as ;n|ei|iiate as pesxihle. The Council will he anxious of course to get. the best results from the present pipe line, hid with a growng town, the <|iiestion of a permanent, increased supply is sure to crop up in the long run. This is a matter which can he gone into later, though it might he worth while ascertaining what are the possibilities and cost of 1111 auxiliary line from Knuieri Forks where lake water can be picked up from the water race there. It was suggested before that a supplementary supply might lie drawn oft at that point even for the existing line, as a safeguard in the event of any break or defect hitdier up the pipelino. Now that the Council has shown evidence of taking the whole position into serious consideration, the matter should he fully investigated. Mr Heinz as chairman of the Works Committee, has suggested a personal inspection of the line bv the councillors, and no doubt the visit will he arranged. It would he a further guarantee to the ratepayers that the members were doing everything possible to make the position secure, and as nothing loss will suffice, the Council will he commended for its action.