The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 1926. A DRAINAGE PROPOSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 1926. A DRAINAGE PROPOSITION.

An .interesting discussion regarding the best type of pipe to be used tor drainage works lias arisen at Gisborne, where matter-, in this coimcet ion have meanwhile been held in ab.'.'.va me pending further information. The matter was brought up uL last meeting ot the Borough (ottii-.il by a report- from the committee in which it was stated the engineer strongly advised the use of concrete pipes .for abe Bm'nugli isioriiiwaler drainage scheme. In the course of the subsequent discussion several opinions were expressed as to the best pipe to be used. In answer to a question the engineer stated that earthen ware pipes were totally unsuitable for the purpose proposed under this contract, but where smaller pipes were required earthenware pipes would be used. He had been informed by a well-known Auckland contractor that three times the length of certain concrete pipes could be laid ,in a day compared u ith the 2ft. earthenware pipes. A councillor stated that be bad been informed l>v a well-known professional man that, concrete pipes would not last long isand, owing to the action of acids. Another councillor announced that the same engineer bad assured him that concrete pipes would not stand for either water or sewerage. The idea was .scouted by th? Borough engineer: but on the councillors stating that their informant was prepared to quote authorities to support bis views it was decided to defer decision as to the type of pipe to le used until further information as to durability had been ohtained. Further information on the same subject was contained in a letter from Dr V. G. Mcner, medical officer of health, to the depntv-Mayor of Gisborne, with regard to sewerage extensions to Kaiti. Dr Mercer gave it as the opinion of Mr Allen, technical adviser at the bead office, that very careful consideration should be given to the matter before deciding on concrete pipes for sewarago works. "While the modern reinforced and glazed concrete pipe was a vast improvement on the pipe made ten to fifteen years ago be was not satisfied that it would stand the chemical action of the sewer-

ago. Tt was probably quite satisfactory for carrying fresh or oven storm water, tint ir was quite in its experimontal stnye as far as sewerage was ennrerned. “IVo know that these pipes are being largely used for drainage.” Dr Mercer concluded, “tint at present engineering opinion is very uncertain nhout the durability of the eonerete pipes for carrying sewerage. I would, therefore, advise your council to consider the use of concrete pipes for the Kaiti extension drainage scheme very carefully. T think that they can lie safely used for your main storm water drain, hut T certainly hesitate to recommend their general use for household drainage.”