WATER SUPPLY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2120, 14 October 1885, Page 2

WATER SUPPLY.

The following report on the best means of obtaining a water supply for Masterton was presented at yesterday's meeting of the Borough Council by Mr R. K, Smith, the Engineerl beg respectfully to state that in accordance with the desire of the Gas Committee to obtain a good supply of water to the borough, I have visited the following places, where a good supply may be obtained, and I beg to roport as follows: Ist the Kaituna or Black creek, 2nd the Whakamohikahu river or Waipiripiri creek, and 3rd the Waipipi creek. The first named, the Black Creek or Kaituna, would give an abundant supply, and ample pressure, but the distance to where the supply could be taken from the creek without expensive works, would be about eight mileß, which would necessitate the employment of large expensive mains, to give an adequate supply. The second, or Whakamohikahu river,orthe Waipiripiri creek, is not more than 3| miles from the town, from which a constant and ample supply eould be obtained, at a point about 100 yards above its junction with the VVaipoua. I could not, however, recommend a supply being taken from it, unless the levels were properly taken. There would probably not be more than from 100 to 120 feet fall. The third source of Bupply appears to mo to be the best, the Waipipi, distant about miles on the north road. The fall is not less than 180 feet to tho Post Office, which would meet all the requirements for extinguishing fires, and give amply . supplies for sanitary and domestic purposes. Doubts have been expressed as to tho supply being permanent, as a great portion of the water in the creek comes from the head waters of the Waipoua. About a year ago the whole water of the upper portion of the Waipoua river broke into the Waipipi, and still continues. After examining the bank of the Waipoua where it joins the Waipipi, four different times, carefully, I am of opinion that there is little danger of the Waipoua returning to its original channel, and that if turned baok by artificial means a culvert could be put into tho embankment at trifling expense, which would give the additional supply in the Waipipi creek required, No expensive works would be necessary in the line of the supply mains, and the pipes could be laid direct across the plain, clear of all the low bridges on the main north road where the Waipipi creek crosses. For liberty to do this, the proprietors in all probability would give their consent by the Council granting them a supply of water from the mains for their cattle m the dry season. Other lines, however, are open, viz., by the line of railway, or along the main road, any of which would answer well. I herewith enclose estimate of the probable expense, in which the sum of £BOO-pounds is allowed for filter beds. (The estimate for bringing the water to the town is £4673.125, and for reticulation £2771 Is 3d, making a total of £7344 13s 3d.)