WORKS IN MUD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5164, 12 August 1927, Page 1

WORKS IN MUD.

DIFFICULTY OF ESTIMATING.

EXPERIENCE AT NGATEA.

Referring to estimating the cost of works on the Hauraki Plains, a wellknown engineer once commented that a generous allowance should be made for every possible item ; that 100 per cent, should then bo added for contingencies, and then the total should be doubled.

The merits of such a system have been made apparent by one job which the Lands Drainage- Department has in hand near Ngatea. This is the installation of a new flood-gate for the Orchard East Road north side drain, which the department is doing instead of paying the Hauraki United Drainage Board the sum of £75, being a £ for £ subsidy on the estimated cost. As five men have been employed for the last six weeks, the amount of wages paid must nearly equal the total estimated cost of the completed work. The delay has been on account of the exceedingly difficult country met with, for no sooner was an excavation made than a slip occurred or the bottom was forced «PThousands of gallons of water have had to be contended with, and the pressure- of the mud bent and broke the spilling until 9in by 3in planks were used.

The pipes have now been laid on the concrete bed, and the inlet and outlet chambers are' being constructed. Space is being left for the installation by the settlers of a 12in centrifugal pump for use in times of no tidal action.