ALEXANDRA WATER SUPPLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 91, 6 November 1869, Page 3

ALEXANDRA WATER SUPPLY.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening to consider the best means for bringing a supply of water into the township. The Mayor (Mr. Finlay) occupied the chair. He spoke of the necessity for having a supply of water, not only for domestic purposes, but sufficient to meet any emergency that might arise in case of fire breaking out in the town; and thought that any practicable scheme within the means of the municipality should receive the sympathy and support of the public. The Town Council had not been negligent in the matter, and had taken the initiative. He then called upon the Town Clerk to read to the meeting the proposal the Council had to make, and would be glad to hear the opinion of the meeting with regard to it. The Town Clerk then read an estimate which had been drawn up of the cost of a water scheme sufficient, as the Council imagined, to supply every want. Two water race companies had been asked to quote a sum for the supply of water for fourteen years; one quoted £5, the other (the Manuherikia Ground Sluicing Company), £2 a week. The estimates were then framed upon the lowest quotation; and it appeared by the statement read, that an extra rate of Is. 6d. in the pound would meet every requirement. In reply to a question put by Mr. Samson, it appeared that the quantity of water at the service of the Corporation, would be ten inches, and that the Council had not, in any way, bound themselves, but simply submitted their plan to the public for reception, rejection, or improvement ; and were quite prepared to carry out whatever plan might be acceptable to the public. Mr. Chapplo had heard that the water from the source the Council proposed to take it, would not be suitable for domestic purposes. Mr. Theyers then described the process by which it could be filtered, made, as he thought, suitable for domestic purposes. It was suggested by Mi*. Stanbrook, that before going on with, such a scheme, the water should be tested to the satisfaction of the people. Mr. Theyers said that could be done by erecting the filter before the pipes were laid' down. Mr. Chappie thought Mr. Stranbrook's suggestion was quite pertinent to the subject; and that it was bigbly requisite, if any scheme be gone into, that clean water should be brought into the town clean. Mr, Cameron suggested sinking a shaft, and erecting a whim. By this means he thought an abundant supply of water would be obtained. Mr Rivers thought if the Corporation were purchasing certain races that were in the market, they might have not only a sufficient supply of water for the town could be obtained, but one of the races might be let. He thought they could be had for £3OO at the most. The Mayor stated that these races were not for sale. Mr. Chappie thought that if the Council were satisfied that clean water could be brought from the proposed Company's race, by all means

let it be brought in as it was the cheapest. It appeared that since some parties had commenced mining at Young Hill Creek, the Maiuiherikia Gold Sluicing Company's Race had been much disturbed, and it was doubtful if lilting would clean it sufficiently. Mr. M'Kersie proposed " That the Town Clerk be instructed to take the I levels and ascertain at about what cost ' the water could be raised from the Molyneux." He believed that a water-wheel and pump could be erected to raise the water 40 feet for the sum of £6O. Mr. ltatteliife seconded the above motion. Carried. Mr. Samson then proposed the following resolution, which was seconded and carried, " This meeting is of opinion that it is desirable that a supply of water should be brought into the town, and that a committee be appointed to find out the best means to be adopted to further the object in view." Mr. RastclifFe moved that the committee consist of the members of the Town Council. Mr. Hillhouse thought that some of the outside public should take part in the committee, and he would move as an amendment that the committee consist of the Town Council and \ Messrs Samson, Rivers, M-'Kersic, and ! Rattcliffe. Carried. \ It was then agreed that a public meeting should be called that day four I weeks, and report progress. I A vote of thanks to the chairman finished the proceedings.