Municipal Works.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7815, 6 May 1905, Page 2

Municipal Works.

THE ENGINBEIt UEPOItTS THEREON.

The borough engineer, in his report to tho Works Committee, stated that before taking over the tunnel and intake works from Messrs McWiiiiams and Co., there were several minor details to be attended to, amongst others the clearing out of a scour which had become blocked. To do this it had been necessury to lot _the water o(I from the tunnel. When this had been done it became apparent that there were several leaks in the valve chambers at the pipe head—nothing serious, but requiring attention all the same. Instructions wore given to the contractor to thoroughly render the chamber to make it tight, this work being done at the contractor's expense. Tho engineer added that he went through the tunnel and fountl the work sound and clean. There were certain places which required rendering, ana had since been attended to. Mr McWilliams had applied for a progress payment, but he (the engineer) could not s-ee his way to further money until he hud consulted with Mr Mestayer. Whilst granting tho contractor two months' extension of time on account of the extra work, he thought un extra three months' time on account of "extra diiliculfcics" an exceedingly liberal allowance, .as no especial difficulties were encountered beyond what might bo expected on viewing the ground in the locality.

The reservoir had proved itself perfectly stable, but the asphalt lining wus defective, and would have to bo mado tight, 'J'ho contractors had communicated with the asphalt company, and the manager would bo hero on Tuesday next, whon they would go over the works to dccklu what hail to be done. The defects at the pipe head and the reservoir were very small mutters, und would take but a short time to make good. As the repairs were necessary, and could not conveniently be done during maintenance, the engineer deemed it advisable not to turn the water into the borough mains till everything was snfe. The septic tank contractors nre progressing satisfactorily with tho twork. The concrete walls are now up to thy required height, and inlet and outlet, chambers have been commenced. The contractors are now ready for iron per tho "Nairnshire," ami as the vessel is not expected until May <lO there will be considerable delay in the construction of tho tank for want of this material.

Mt'ainage work is proceeding apace. St. Aubyn, Weymouth, and Mount Edgeeumbe Streets have been liuished, and a good length In l*owdorhani Street has lieqi finished. Regarding streets, Court enay and Eliot Streets, from John Street to the hjound>tyy, and Cameron Street have been metalled. The contractor has started in South Road, which is expected to bo finished by the end of the week. Morley Street will be completed in the course of tho coming week, aud Uliot Street a little later on. The report wns adopted.