ORONGORONGO TUNNEL
FIRST SHOT TO BE FIRED NEXT WEEK
The biggest work the Wellington City Council has on hand is the Orongorongo water supply tunnel, which is being done on the co-operative principle by Mr. Robert Semple and his party.
Whilst the engineers have been busy erecting the steam plant which is to supply compressed air for the drills on the flat below the Morton Dam, the co-operative workers have constructed a good bridle-track across the Orongorongo range, and right down to the stream.
It was reported yesterday that the track had been completed, giving access to a really wonderful area of densely-bushed mountain country, which should attract trampers during the coming summer.
The gang has now returned to the main camp at the tunnel mouth on the Wainui side of the hill, and the workers are busy preparing trucks and hauling gear to be utilised to take out and tip the spoil.
The loaded trucks will almost be able to run out on gravity, as there is a downward fall (outward) of about one in a hundred. Horses will be used to haul the empty trucks back into the tunnel.
The engine and boiler have been set up and the 4-inch cast-iron air pipe has been laid down to the tunnel mouth. It is anticipated that the first shot will be fired as the result of drill work some time next week, when, if possible, the Mayor and members of the City Council will be present.
