WATER SUPPLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 November 1939, Page 5

WATER SUPPLY

XI 0,000 SCHEME TO IMPROVE MAINS CLEANING & CONCRETE LINING PROPOSED. APPLICATION TO BE MADE TO RAISE LOAN. ' I Definite steps for the provision of ;i better water supply for Masterton were decided upon at the monthly meeting of the Masterton Borough Council, held last night, when it was decided to apply to the authorities for permission to raise a loan of £lO,OOO for the cleaning and concrete lining of the water mains supplying the borough. A special report was submitted by the Borough Engineer, Mr C. R. Mabson, regarding plans for the cleaning and concrete lining of the 10 and 12 inch mains from the reservoir to town, and the 18 inch spiral steel main from the Upper Plain reservoir to the intake. The work would form part of the major scheme which would involve an expenditure of between £50,000 and £60,000, which in view of the uncertain time, it was not deemed advisable to place before the ratepayers, but it was necessary that some improvement should be made to cope with the everincreasing demand on the water supply. The effect of the proposed work would be to increase the delivery, of the pipe lines by approximately thirty per cent, or 500 gallons per minute during maximum ' draw-off periods, said Mr Mabson. The work would have to be carried out during the winter months. The actual capacity of the pipes would be equivalent to new pipes of the original diameter. The estimated cost of the project would be £11,315. A saving of approximately £675 would be effected by employing twelve Scheme 13 men on the work. Councillor G. W. Morice considered that the ratepayers wanted something done about the water supply, and he considered that there was no better time to take a poll than when the water supply was low.-In his opinion a poll should be taken as soon as possible. Councillor R. Russell: “Would it be necessary to take a poll?’’ The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan: "Oh yes, we cannot spend £lO,OOO of our money without the consent of the ratepayers.” Councillor Morice. said there had been all sorts of delay in improving the supply and he urged immediate action. Councillor W. White considered that a poll should have been taken 15 years ago. Councillor G. D. Wilson asked for an assurance that the project was part of the major scheme and would not be duplicated. Mr Mabson explained that the project, as outlined in his report, was definitely part of the major scheme. Councillor W. Kemp also spoke in support of the improvement scheme. He said some of the fire hydrants were only a quarter of the size they should be. Mr Jordan pointed out that no pipes which the council could afford to put down between the headwaters and the town would enable the people to use water indiscriminately. The water must be used sensibly. Councillors generally agreed that it was desirable to proceed with the proposal, especially as it was part of the major scheme. Councillor Morice moved that the engineer’s report be approved and that applications be made to the Local Government Loans Board for a loan enabling the work to be carried out. The motion was seconded by Councillor J. Ninnes and carried unanimously.