THE CAMBRIDGE WATER SUPPLY.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1393, 7 June 1881, Page 2

THE CAMBRIDGE WATER SUPPLY.

Though the mooted scheme in connection with the Navigation Company has been permitted to fall through, it is a matter of congratulation to the people of Cambridge, that they have not abandoned that spirit of enterprise which characterises them in the matters of public accomodation and conveniences, which it is necessary, all well-regulated townships should be provided with ; and that further attempts of a more practical, and consistent nature, are now being made to provide a permanent scheme of water supply for that community. On Friday last Mr John Gwynneth, C.E., in company with Messrs Hewitt, Houghton, and Kirkwood, representing the ratepayers of Cambridge, went on an exploring expedition round by Maungakawa, Taotaoroa, and Karapero, to examine that part of the country with reference to a new scheme by which Cambridge could be provided with a never-failing supply of water, at all times, and in all seasons. Having made the requisite calculations with regard to the distance from, and height above the town, the amount of water obtainable, and the likelihood of having a suitable reiierToir to provide against contingences, the party returned to town. On Saturday they made a second expedition in the direction j of Maungatautari and were successful in finding a stream, and a locality entirely consistent with the object in view. They have now entered into preliminary calculations with regard to four distinct schemes, two of which are at Maungakawa, known as the Maungakawa and Hally's Creek, one at Maungatautari or Pukekura, ,and another at Karapero ; the latter being, however, almost beyond consideration. , , The estimated altitudes of the various sites chosen as the sources of supply are — Maungatautari, 240 feet ; Maungakawa, 300 feet ; and Hally's Creek (at Maungakawa), 220 feet above the level of Cambridge. The supply of water obtainable from each source is almost equal, there being very little difference between them, and each is sufficient to supply the wants of Cambridge. The supply obtainable from the creek at Maungatautari or Pukekura — which is the most likely to be' adopted — is sufficient to fill a four-inch pipe during the present dry season, and a six-inch pipe at ordinary times, the former being capable of delivering 3,800 gallons per hour, and the latter 8,700 gallons in the same time. The estimated cost of a four-inch pipe is about £530 per mile, and of a six inch pipe, about £800 per mile. These same estimates may be applied to the Maungakawa and Hally's Creek schemes, the distance from town and the supply of water obtainable at each being almost equal. At Maungatautari, with a very trifling cost, the stream can be effectually damned, the banks being 40 feet high on each side. Thus an efficient reservoir can be constructed, which will be capable of retaining a week's constant supply, in case of an emergency — which is /a most unlikely thing— paying out at the rate of between 7000 and 8000 gallons per; hour. The various sources of the three schemes of which we are now speaking are equi>distant from town, viz,, 4£ miles, « but that of Karapero is about 9 miies } and there being a less supply of water at this latter place it is practically abandoned for the present. The complete' scheme, it is estimated, will cost about £4000, and this includes the main piping, the various town branches, and the cost of r completing the reservoir. .A scheme in connection with Karapero would cost over £6000. As soon as Mr Gwynneth has prepared the estimates, a public meeting of ratepayers will be called, and ,the whole submitted for their consideration. It is to be hoped that this attempt to provide Cambridge with what it is undoubtedly in need of will meet; with a more favourable reception than the last, and that the "upper flats", will" prove less adyerse to its being adopted, and give it all due consideration. -> They should bear in mind that if they do not aspire to gain the admiration of, tfheir more enterprising neighbours, they i will certainly fall into contempt, for unwarranted idleness is a greater prodigality than a lavish expenditure of dormant cartital. ' > , ,

■ Mb D4.VBNPOKT, the British Consul at Shanghai, says there is little doubt that , the, dreadful famine which hag .for,' thje 'la^t, three' years scourged the, north ( of China may be attributed in great meagre to the spread of poppy, cuj,tiya.tion,. ( , [ 'JPhere are £,000,000 of Christian communiean^s in England,. and Wales. The average Sunday at tendances, at places .of wofslpisl6;ooo,oo6. "" % ' "J" J .