THE DRAINAGE OF THE CITY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4945, 27 January 1877, Page 3

THE DRAINAGE OF THE CITY.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,—The drainage'questionia, I understand, before the Council at the present time. However before any action is taken plans showing the levels of the city upon which a drainage report could be. drawn up should be placed before the Council. There appears such a mystery about the- whole affair, that I venture to express an opinion that the public should know before the Council binds itself to any particular scheme what is really going on. The levels were to be taken by a gentleman employed by the Council. Is the work done ? Is it paid for? And. is the result before the Council and the public? No.;report has yet' appeared in the" published proceedings of ; the Council answering these important questions. Without anticipating any scheme that may belaid before the Council, I venture_ to give in a condensed form ; my opinion of a simple and at the same time a complete system of drainage for this city—a system that deals with drainage, sewage, storm, water,-&c.; the Materials for carrying out wjbicb can all be made in this colony, "even the cement requisite for setting the brick work of the main sewers; and as_ to the objection of the main sewers terminating at the harbor, that can be obviated by having receivers or pentstocks at the termination of the main sewers, and removing the solids from time to time as circumstances may require. I would propose—- ' Ist. Main egg-shaped underground drains of various sizes, from 5 or 6 feet down to 12 inches. The large main drains to terminate at the harbor, with covered brick receivers/to prevent solids from going into the harbjor; flushing apparatus for all the main sewers : or drain* at suitable distances. _ ; 2nd. Upper surface open-street drains for carrying rain water, storm water, &c, into the main sewers.

3rd. Provision to be made for the insertion of socket-pipes, &c, for carrying off the drainage and sewage of every property in the city requiring the use of the main drains. 4 th. Closets with necessary apparatus for flushing and carrying away the excreta by means of tubular pipe-drains into the main sewers. • sth. Surface rubbish is under the supervision of the Inspector of Nuisances. If, therefore, the levels of the city are taken, and the contract entered into with the Council for that work is carried out satisfactorily, there would be no difficulty in furnishing plans and specifications for carrying out the above proposed scheme.—l am, &c, January 2G. C. E.