THE MARTON RESERVOIR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9408, 31 March 1909, Page 5

THE MARTON RESERVOIR.

Yesterday a representative of the Advocate made a trip to the reservoir and catchment area. As soon as the top of the flower dam was reached great improvement was at once seen. The mud and decaying vegetable matter at the bottom of both dams has been taken away and the banks pared off all over the area. The heavy growth of gorse and scrub on the catchment area—about 50 acres—has been felled, all but six acres which will be cut out this week. When this is burnt it will give a better idea of the success of this work. There is no doubt water will then collect rapidly from the hill sides and a bigger percentage should flow into both dams. There are good prospects of an excellent burn. The 12-inoh pipes have been laid and the floating arm fixed, and these are resting on solid cement blocks and substantial stays. When it is found necessary to continue the 13 inch mains all that is required to out off the supply is to lift the floating arm out of the water. The old perforated cap at the intake was in a 1 perished condition, and could only take water equal to a ; 3-inch pipe. Work at this end has been successfully carried out and-the growth on the concrete walls has been cleared and the large cracks repaired with cement. A new lock has been placed in the dividing wall of the two dams and a new system installed which can now be worked with the least possible trouble. At the top end of the reservoir there is a good deal of raupo and tussocks which has not yet been cut out. The intention of \the Council at first was to let the fire burn this out, but now that a change |of weather has set in instructions have been given to put the men on and cut it oat thoroughly, and other necessary work in the vicinity of the place will also be gone on with. At present about 20 men are employed and they have made good progress. As soon as the weather takes up the bush will be set on fire and a splendid burn is anticipated. Several calculations have been made as to the quantity of wood that will be left for sale, and %he lowest estimate is 600 cords. Fixing the price per cord at 15s, this should amply repay the Council for the cost of recent improvements. The heavy rain which set in on Monday night made over a foot of water at the lower end of the first dam.