A WATER SUPPLY.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 123, 13 March 1919, Page 2

A WATER SUPPLY.

Visit to Okauia. A party consisting of Messrs J. Price, J. F. Vospor, O. G. Bell (members of the Matamata Town board), Mr Lockio Gannon (civil engineer) and a “Record” representative visited tiro various falls at Okauia on Friday, for the purpose of endeavoring to locate a source of water supply for town requirements. The weather was most suitable for such a visit, and had been for the previous fortnight—without rain—so that the party saw the streams at what was probably the driest period. The first place visited was tho Ariki falls, behind Mr Gravesou’s residence, which were approached with much difficulty, the party having to make progress through strong fern and rough bush, and then over large boulders up the stream. By mid-day they had progressed sufficiently to be able to judge the supply. The engineer, after making a rough estimato of the amount of water and and inspecting tho surroundings, waxed very enthusiastic. With the others, all of whom were by that time thirsty, he partook of tho water, and voted it tho equal of Rotorua water, which is considered to ho the best in the province. Ho said Matamata was in a most fortunate position in having such a supply—which he judged would servo the town for a decade —in such close proximity. He had prepared many water schemes, but none under such favorable circumstances as were presented by the Ariki falls. He had no idea when asked to inspect that the chairman and members of tho boaul had such a splendid site in mind. Figures are not givon owing to only rough estimates being made. A proper estimate will be given later by the engineer. On reaching the flat again the party made its way to the foot of the Wairorfl falls, where it was at. once noticed that tho stream was not of the strength of, tho Ariki. In addition Mr Gannon remarked that tho water was not of the same quality, possibly owing to the falls boing open to the sun, whereas the Ariki falls are practically closed in by lovely bush. The Wairere falls, it was stated, would provide an easier sjhemc, but the water was not of tho quality or volume of tho Ariki. Before leaving the locality Mr W. Graveson was interviewed, and he stated that during his period of residence—five years—he had never seen the Ariki supply so low.

Towards evening the last site— Some falls behind Mr Larsen’s property—wore visited, but those did not impress any member. The general, in fact unanimous, opinion was that tho Ariki scheme was the one to go on with. However, tho matter will most, probably be dealt with more fully in the engineer’s report. The party was most pleased with the vinit, and also with the prospects held out by Mr Gannon. The probability is that a scheme will be put forward by the Town board, whereby settlers on the road to Turanga-o-inonna, Waharoa and to Matamata will also he enabled to draw a supply of water.

Tin' Ariki falls are situated from six to seven miles as tho crow flys, and about nine miles by road from M atari ata. It appears to liavo its source in springs at tho top of the hill, but also has a large water-shed. About half way down the hill it divides into two streams, ono running to tho lefr and tho other to tho rigid, in tlie shape of aV. It will he above the branch where tho proposed dam will be tiuilt. The surroundings are very pleasant, hut plenty of energy is isquired to get to the site, although any fit man could approach it. Tin* outlook, which is small betweeu the trees, is in direct line to tho Tnriiiiga-o.nionna hall and school B**ioi i n m*|u in* 1 ran tie presented ii v '< will Diivf- o. t.e taken, nod we iiti* i • rsiaufl ie ill is I'ounectiiai that, suiveyor-, will shortly commence thenwork.