THE WATER SUPPLY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 103, 20 June 1913, Page 3

THE WATER SUPPLY.

Some Defects Disclosed.

Mi' Gannon To Report

For some time past it has been an "open secret" that t!.e Water Committee of tho Bortugh Council have not been altogether satisfied with the condition of the boiorgh water service. O.i Wednesday right the following report was read—"We find that the present load is too heavy for th2 erginc, and that if the presort cr.gine is required to work urdsr the conditions now in vogue at the waterworks, then iti life of utility will b3 considerably shortened, and in a f=w years the borough will b* under the exrerse uf a niw e.:gin\ When the engine was first installed it was not intended to drive the air-enmpressor for the derp bore lifting, tut as it was found necessary to have an air compressor (he additional load has been switched on to the engine. "W6 find that tha pressure reduction valve is almost a total failure. It is Very spasmodic in its action, ar.d does not regulate the pressure in a satisfactory manner. Sometimes the pressure on the town will be reduced to brlow 501b (e.g., as wlmi SEvercl large taps are running or a hydrant with a hre hose is playinsf); then the pressure will ii 33 with a jerk so that the pressure cn the town will jump from beloTj 50 to over 2001b?. Such an erratic state of pressure is dangerous, and tha engineer has only prevented serious damage by installing a safety valve which blows off when the pressure reaches 1751b5. So that It sometimes happens that there is as much water wasted at night by the safety valve blowing off as is sufficient to supply the town in the day. Ihis pressure leduction valve is a serious question, and it is the chief engineering probhm we have to solve in connection with the waterworks, "We also find that it wiH be necessary to have several structural alterations, in the way of additional valves at street corners, while additional room for storing coke is also urgently required. "In conclusion, we would urge on the Council (he necessity of getting a thoroughly qualified and practical hydraulic engineer to furnish an expert report cn the best means of remedying the existing evils o? our waterworks system." The Mayor said the existing state of affairs was not as it should be. He supported the report. He would move, That an enginser be engaged to report on the system. Cr Comrie seconded the resolution, which was carried. Cr Abbott moved, That Mr I ockie Gannon he asked to report. The Mayor seconded the resolution. Cr Patterson moved. That Mr Munro Wilson be appointed, but as there was no seconder Mr Gannon was appointed. Cr Hamilton said that to enable one man to start tke engine a small Pelton wheel was required*--It was dscided to piocure one.

The Mayor reported that the lessee of the new theatre said the price of the water for lighting was almost prohibitive. He would move that the matter be referred to the Water Works Committee to report. This motion was carried.