OPENING OF THE WATERWORKS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2727, 16 December 1881, Page 3

OPENING OF THE WATERWORKS.

At 3 o’clock this afternoon, His Worship the Mayor—in the presence of Messrs Dobson, the Engineers under whose professional care the works have been carried out—the Borough Council, a number of representatives of local bodies, and a crowd of the general public,turned on the water at the fire plug at the Bank of New Zealand corner, and amid hearty cheers formally declared the Timaru waterworks open. The Fire Brigade took charge of the hydrant and for an hour or more| amused the crowd, and tested the pressure of the water, by playing upon the buildings in the street, and thoroughly drenching these — an( j a number of juveniles, who took advantage of this rare opportunity to enjoy a free shower hath. One, two, and then three jets were played from the same fire plug, the drafts being duly honored by the main. The nozzles used were not well suited to so great a pressure of water. They contract too quickly, and therefore cause the jet to “ spray ” too soon. The jets were easily thrown over the buildings in the neighborhood. As a wind-up to the display at this corner, an inch-and-a half nozzle was put on and a stream thrown out to a great height, and of a volume that would quench a small volcano. Other fire plugs were then tried, one at Park and Anderson’s, another at Pearson’s, and one at the top of the hill between, being laid under contribution at once. There was a considerable crowd collected who took great interest in the exhibition, and many were the congratulations passed upon the successful completion of this valuable improvement to the town.