THE WAINUI-O-MATA WATERWORKS.
[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 21. The report of Mr H. P. Higginson, C.E., on the Wainui-o-mata water supply, which has been before the City Council for some time, was made public to day.
It shows that on March 21, when the inspection was made, the flow was 3,095,000 gallons per diem, equal to a supply of 119 gallons per head for the present population. For domestic purposes, and street and garden watering, he considered 40 gallons per head an ample supply.
He thinks that the general design of the works is suitable and well considered, but many details of the scheme require alteration. On March 21, he had but little opportunity of examining the reservoir works or interior of the race, owing to both being partly full of water.
He found numerous cracks, which were the means of letting a large quantity of water escape. Most of the leaking, he thinks, occurred between the invert and sidewall. He is of opinion that the damage to the race has been the result of careless treatment and work badly put together, and not so much from bad material.
The leaks, to a great extent, are the result of bad junctions between the invert and sidewall, and also in consequence of the workmen neglecting to remove the upper portion of the invert beneath the sidewall that had probably been disturbed by the men walking upon it.
The damage to the bottom of the reservoir is principally caused in the same manner. Cracks probably occur in places owing to the settlement of the ground, and considering the amount of leakage, the only wonder is that no serious slip has taken place.
He recommended that as soon as a 12 inch main is connected with the Karori supply, a favourable opportunity should be watched, and repairs to the Wainui-o-mata works effected with as little delay as possible.
