WHAKA SEWERAGE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 693, 20 November 1933, Page 4

WHAKA SEWERAGE

The completion of the sewerage reticulation of Whakarewarewa Pa marks a very important stage in the progress of Rotorua. The work itself has been unique in the nature of drainage engineering and Mr. Lenihan has been given a task which few engineers have been called upon to face. Yet it has been carried through without much of the publicity which such an undertaking would fully justify. The sewerage of the pa presented difficulties which, possibly, have never been encountered in any other part of the world. Engineers have frequently been called npon to overcome difficulties in levels, wet conditions or unstable conntry, but it is about the first time on record that an engineer has . been called upon to. lay sewerage mains through country seething with- thermal hctivity. It was impossible-.to follow the ordinary set methods of sewerage construction. Cement jointing was impossible, and a special

sulphur compound had to be used because of the heat and the chemical action of the thermal emanations. The heat in the trenches was also so great at times that the men left their day's work with blistered feet. In fact there were a host of difficulties which could be mentioned in connection with this work which would serve to show that no ordinary task has been aecomplished and the engineer deserves hearty congratulation upon its complei tion. But while commending the I council for having provided a healthy sanitary system for Whakarewarewa we must point out that a still more important work remains to be undertaken at Ohinemutu. Investigations, we know, are proceeding to ascertain the possibility of putting this work through, but there is a great chance that they may not be pushed to a successful conclusion unless full recognition is given to the importance of the work. Every effort has, so far been made to insure the health of the town and the reticulation of Whakarewarewa was a wise step, but the good done there will be discounted if Ohinemutu is left unprotected. There are difficulties in the way so far as finance is concerned, but it is to be sincerely hoped that they will be overcome so that the sanitary system of Rotorua may be satisfactorily completed.