THE PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4344, 14 February 1893, Page 2

THE PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY.

Mr W.H, Beetham Interviewed

A deputation from the Masterton Borough Council, including His Worship the Mayor (Mr 0, A. Pownall), and Crs Feist, Mutrie and Heron, together with the Town Clerk (Mr R. Brown), waited on Mr W. H. Beetham yesterday afternoon at tho County Counoil Chambers, with reforence to IMfcroposed water supply from the Larmsdowne dam. Mr C. A, Pownall, on bebalf of the deputation, informed Mr Beetham that they had come to diacuea the possibility - of obtaining the water from the dam, Ho understood that the chief difficulty, as far as Messrs Williams and Beetham woro concerned, was the want of wator during certain months of the year. Mr Beetham said he had not yet bad an opportunity of discussing the matter with his partner. As he had already explained thoy had obtained a twenty-* ono years right to uso the watois of the Waipipi from Mrs Woloh, and the flow was no more than they required in tho dry season, If any quantity of water was taken from the dam it would take it from their race. This past seMjnjhere had been plenty of water, icon it much lower. When tho dam was first started his firm had considered the advisability of getting water from the Buamahunga, At that time ho had takon levels and prepared an estimate of the cost of bringing a stream from tho Buamahunga down their raco to the dam, The cost be about £SOO. He felt pretty sure this was a correct estimate, and it would provido for bringing the water from the Buamahunga bridge in an open raco along the railway to the Waipipi course Mr Pharazyn had mado miles of water raco similar to what ho proposed, tt was not likely that the Railway Department would raise objections as it would be rather an advantage than otherwise to have a stream of clear water running, Bomo of the property holders might raise objections to tho wator otoealng their land, but in that case they could always take tho land. There should not be objections because it would be a benefit to the property touched, Ho had Been sevoral similar races working very satisfactorily in the south, Mr Pownall asked if the County Council was likely to raise any objection to water being taken from tho river. Mrßcothamcaidhe did not think it) probable. There was always a large stream flowing in the fiuamahmigo. If objections were raised they could be got over by taking a Bupply under an lrrigation Act.

In anßwer to Mr',Horon, Mr Beetham said that the whole of the Waipipi now ran into tho dam, In tho dry Beason there was none too much water,

Mr Mutrie thought ho had seon tho Waipipi dry on certain occasions. Mr Beetham said thin waß somotimes the case. His firm had contemplated bringing the Buamahunga water down for thoir own use. He waß not prepared to make any offer to the Borough at pre* sont, but would consult Mr Williams and do his best for them.

Mr Pownall thought mutual bonefit might be derived if Messrs Williams and Boethani and tho Borough worked together. In timo thoy could erect a roservoir higher up. Mr Beetham was of opinion that ; a good domostio supply could be got through tho dam by rroana of filter beds. From the dam to the Post Oflico theto was a fall of between 90 and 100 foot.

Mr Foist asked if there would be any lack of wator if they tappod the Ruama' hunga, Mr Bootham said therowould cortainly not bo. lie had no reason to believe that tho wator in tho Lansdowno dam was any worse than the Woinulo-mata, whioh supplied Wellington, Mr Pownall remarked that if at any time tlioy wished to go higher up the river a fresh arrangement could bo mado with Mosers Williams and Bootham. Mr Beetham said tho land might not belong to his firm always. They might out it up and sell it. At anyrate he would do all thathe could for the Council. In erecting tho dain a Bix-inch pipe had been used becanso eight-inch pipes were not obtainable. It would not cost much to took on to It, a. Gilt basin would however require to be erected. Mr Pownall said he did not see any reason why tlioy should not turn It into a domestio supply for tho Borough. Mr Beetham thought that water brought into Mastorton from tho dam could be thrown over any building in tho town with case. Mr Pownall requested an early report, so that the matter might be plaoed tho ratepayers. J&m Mr Beetham promised to attondlQH the matter at his oarliost convenience/" and the deputation withdrew.