Orongorongo Water Supply Turned On
Wellington City’s major new water supply from the Orongorongo Stream was officially turned on by the Mayor, Mr R. A. Wright, M.P., on Monday of last week.
One of the most notable features of the project was the construction of the tunnel through the range between Orongorongo and Wainuiomata. Extending for about two miles, the tunnel was completed to the satisfaction of all concerned by cooperative labour under the direction of Mr Robert Semple.
The images record several important parts of the scheme, including the tunnel, the workers, the intake, the camp, and the infrastructure built to carry water from the Orongorongo Valley into Wellington’s supply network.
- Tunnel entrance at Wainuiomata
The tunnel mouth at the Wainuiomata end, measuring 7 feet by 7 feet. - Wainuiomata tunnellers
Miners who worked on the tunnel from the Wainuiomata side. - Project leaders
Mr Robert Semple, left, with the city waterworks engineer, Mr J. M. Morice. - Water main bridge
A bridge across the stream, built to carry the 21-inch water main. - Orongorongo Valley
A scenic view of the Orongorongo Valley. - Workers’ camp
The camp used by workers during construction of the scheme. - Wainuiomata powerhouse
The powerhouse at Wainuiomata, which supplied electricity for the drills and lighting. - Orongorongo intake chamber
The intake chamber at the Orongorongo end of the scheme. - Orongorongo workers
A portrait of miners and council employees at the Orongorongo end. These miners established a New Zealand hard-rock tunnelling record. - Worksite buildings and tip
The tip and buildings used in connection with the construction work at Orongorongo.
