TIMARU WATERWORKS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2354, 2 October 1880, Page 2

TIMARU WATERWORKS.

It will gratify many to learn that a commencement in earnest has been made with the waterworks. The contractor for the first portion of the works has marked otf a camp for his men, and about twenty hands will bo employed next week. Too next contract will absorb about an equal number of men, but there are a large number of minor contracts to be let, and we may mention that the engineers are busily preparing plans and specifications for eighteen miles of water races —a work that ought to absorb all the unemployed or surplus labor in the district and a great deal more. These plans arc simplified to such an extent that the merest novice in contractors’ work will have no difficulty in arriving at an accurate estimate of the amount and value of the labor required. So far as the experiences of the Borough Council have gone, they have realised the benefit of an exceptionally favorable labor market combined with active competition on the part of tenderers for their first contract has been let at a remarkably low figure. In about a fortnight from this date the works will be in full swing,and we may expect the business of the town to be fairly augmented by the addition of a strong labor force. It will bo observed that tenders are invited for the supply of 8000 feet of earthenware pipes, which together with totara burning will be freely employed where the open drains are insufficient or impracticable. The object sought is to avoid expensive works which arc not indispensiblc, and to expend the amount available in such a way that an ample and abundant supply of water will be provided. Hence the alterations and necessary improvements at the pipe head reservoir will be of a permanent and useful but not of a costly nature. Instead of an expensive valve tower for instance, a valve-well fitted up with a ladder inside and easily accessible will be provided, while with the aid of a bottom pipe with perforated top, concrete wells, strong wooden shutters, and other ingenious, yet simple contrivances the water can be drawn oft’ for use clean and pure above any sediment, the reservoir can be scoured at pleasure, the supply from the headworks diverted along the by-wash, ;md the height and pressure regulated. Judging from the plans wo should say the works when completed will be of a singularly simple nnd utilitarian nature, and that repairs or renewals when necessary will be easily and cheaply effected.