MARTON WATER SUPPLY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8718, 18 January 1907, Page 2

MARTON WATER SUPPLY.

During Mr Smithies recent visit to Marton, lie inquired into the present circumstances of the water supply and his report was read at Marton Borough Council meeting last evening as follows ;—I find the town is supplied by a trunk main of s:n. internal diameter, which, I have no doubt, would be found if opened up, very much less than Sin, in many places by furring of interior. It seems to me an incongruous absurdity to have expended so much money in impounding works and then limit the use by the inhabitants to such water as can be conveyed for a mile and a half through a five-inch pipe. I cannot see that the present pipe can bo of any value for fire suppression purposes. I understand that your Council lias in view the possibility of obtaining an entirely now supply from some other source, and is disinclined to expend more moneys on tho presenj; supply. I may say that I have not looked into the question of a new supply, excepting to note that it would in all probability come from the same or nearly the same direction as tho present supply and that, therefore, any enlargement of the present main trunk would be of service in the new supply, at least so far as that portion now in the main road is concerned. lam of the opinion that the town would derive considerable advantage from a new main from the present reservoir to the intersection of High-street, a distance of 134 chains. This main should bo 13in. so far as tire stand pipe within the dam and pipe through the dam wall is concerned ; then bin. to Highstreet. The present Sin. main might bo taken up and laid as reticulation in such blocks of the town as may be selected for the purpose. Until tho Council has considered the question as to the advisability of proceeding with tho scheme, it would be unwise to incur the cost of a detailed survey and plans, without which an accurate estimate cannot be furnished. However, as a guide, I may indicate that 134 chains of 9in. main pipe with certain 12i : A' pipes at the dam, and witli air valves and other fittings, would cost, if in cast iron £35(10, if in stpe| £2U7O. These figures do not mcludq the cost of taking up and relaying the oin. pipe, but do include all connections to pick up the ends of all brunches along the route of pipe line to High, street.