UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1929, Page 3

UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR

AT KARORI RESERVOIR

WELINGTON, April 17

On April 6th. the body of a woman, aged 37, was found' in the Karori reservoir, Wellington. An inquest was held, and a verdict was returned by Mr J. S. Barton, S.M., that the body had been found in circumstances indicating suicide while in a depressed state of mind.

In reply to a reporter, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr G. A. Troup) stated that the Council much regretted the unfortunate occurrence which it had been, of course, quite powerless to prevent. Immediately word was received of the finding of the body the mains drawing water from the reservoir were shut down, and the Orongorongo water, which normally feeds into the Karori reservoir, was turned into the city mains. The council’s officers notified the Health Department, and acted upon its advice. The reservoir was drained by the natural channel, and what water did not drain off was chlorinated thoroughly. The council had therefore done everything possible in the matter. Moreover, no water whatever had since been drawn from the reservoir to the city mains, the Oran <;•'>rongo supply still being led off direct to the mains. The fullest precautions would still be taken, probably by the refilling of the Karori reservoir and redrnining before it was again put into' service. There was untiling whatever to fear, but to ally all public alarm the council was making more than doublv sure.