OTAKI'S WATER SUPPLY.

Otaki Mail, 14 May 1923, Page 2

OTAKI'S WATER SUPPLY.

MOLTEN LEAD v. LEAD WOOL. The matter of molten lead v. lead wool was discussed at the meeting ol the Otaki Borough Council on Thursday night, when Cr. Kilmister moved tlmt lead be used instead of wool on the pipes. The Mayor said he was assured by the “'man in the street” that molten iead »i!.- better but by reading (book produced) he found woo! wa- more fel ficient, and a saving of 23 to 40 per cent, would lie made, in hi- opinion there was no doubt lead wool would be better. Cr. Kilmister drew attention to the fact that the Mayor was quoting from an advertising pamphlet which was rf-ot likely to favour molten lead. He favoured hot lead and asked )or a trial, after which a decision could be arrived

The Mayor favoured a fair trial, but pointed out ’hat the Engineer held tliat-wool was the best. Cr. Kil-bv -aid he would like to see a rest: there were many leaks in the wool and a trial for « quarter of a mile would not be- amis?.

The Engineer -aid be had used both lead and wool, and in his experience both molten lead and wool made good jobs. In his opinion lead wool was cheaper, more efficient, and would 1 stand greater vibration. He saw no j drawback to a test. j It was decided to give a quartermile test. Cr. O’Rourke -aid if the conditions of the c-ontrac-t were altered the Council may have to pay, unless a written indemnity was secured. Cr. Taylor considered pipes should he thoroughly tarred Veiere they were put in the ground. The- Engineer agreed that too much attention could not be given the matter, and said he had given instructions that the whole surface of the pipes must be tarred. Cr. Cockrell asked if it was necessary for the foreman to be on the- job all the time, and was assured by the Engineer that it was absolutely necessary he I'nopld b« there.