THE WATERWORKS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 613, 20 April 1878, Page 2

THE WATERWORKS.

$ . The timber having arrived for the waterworks, the contract is being pushed forward with increased energy. It appears to be the intention of the contractor to finish the works-at the upper end of the contract at the earliest possible time. When this is done, the retentive power of the race may be tested. Letting the water into the race would be an excellent idea, as the water would become accustomed to its new channel, survive the stage of absorption, run more freely, and become somewhat purified by the time the waterworks were completed, so that comparatively little of the debris left by the works would find its way into the pipes. Men are working night and day in the tunnels ; but only two men at each end can work at one time in consequence of the smallncss of the drives. Tunnel hands work in relays of two men for eight hours at a time. Material as hard as adamant ia now taxing the perseverance and physical endurance of the hmnellers. This tunnelling is a tedious process, and could not bo completed, under any circumstances, in less than six months. Even if the Council were to decide to double the amount to be paid to the contractor, it would be impossible to keep more than four men employed at one time at this work. The period in which the contract could be completed is regulated by the time that it will take to excavate the tunnels. The reservoir will be a work of considerable magnitude ; but the time that will be occupied in its construction can be governed by the number of men employed at it. The Council is now getting something for its outlay, and all the money being expended in supervision is not now lost.