RESTORING THE HEADWORKS,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3533, 25 May 1912, Page 7

RESTORING THE HEADWORKS,

MAYOR VISITS TE ARAL GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE. A visit of inspection was paid to the headworks on Thursday by the Mayor, Borough Engineer, and Sir. H. H. Metcalfe, consulting engineer. The trip was made in order to see how the work of restoring the pipeline and headworks was proceeding, and also to allow the engineers to gather such information as was necessary for them to complete the_ report regarding the sufficiency of the supThe Mayor informed a Gisborne Times reporter yesterday that, he was very pleased with the excellent progress that had been made. The intake had' been rebuilt on a new and better design while a mile and a half of the new pining had been laid. The borough engineer was at present removing the pipe line from the bed of the creek to avoid damage by floods. The new pipe line would be down the side of the creek above flood level. The pipes were being carried across the creek on hardwood tressels resting on concrete foundations. The first bridge was about complete and the second was well on the way; they allowed a practically clear waterway. The water would be obtained from below the dam where there was a natural basin, and it was anticipated that this woud remove the silting trouble winch had hitherto been apparent. There would also be an additional intake ironi. Smith’s creek some distance be.ow the dam which could be utilised ro augment the supply in the dry season. This could also lie shut oft in winter when there was ample water Twentyfive men were now employed and the work extended to almost a quarter of a mile from the Council’s whare. Fifteen-inch piping will be brought into use a little lower down and a quantity of pipes of this size are at present stored at Warn sake. With fine weather it is hoped that the work of installing the nine-inch piping will be completed before the winter sets in. The pipes were being put down in solid papa, and the Mayor thought there would be a little damage by slips. Even this could be more readily repaired in the new line than in_. the old in the bed of the creek- Steel pipes were being recovered irom the creek in large numbers, and the Mayor stated that he was pleased at the way they had stood. There was more than sufficient water at the intake for the-draw-off, and a good amount was running to waste, but despite this the creek was very low for - this time- of the year. At a later date an opportunity will be afforded Councillors to inspect the works.