Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 1108

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716

78. Water Supply, Tai Po.-A contract was let for this work in June, but very poor progress was made with the carrying of it out.

79. Miscellaneous Waterworks.-The following are the principal items of expenditure under this heading, representing in some cases only a part of the cost of the works in con- sequence of their execution extending over more than one year:-

(i.)

Lai Chi Kok Waterworks-Water-Boat Supply,

(ii) Tytam Valley-Gauges and recording apparatus for measuring

flow of stream,.

(iii.) New 7" main in Elgin Street and 5" main in Staunton Street to

replace 3" mains.

(iv.) Green Island-Supply to quarters,

(v.)

$ 11,993

2,447

1,536

981

727

2,073

1,000

726

Conduit Road Extension-Main in front of Queen's Gardens, (vi) Happy Valley-Supply for watering Racecourse and

golf greens,

Less contribution by Jockey Club,

11

Golf

(vii.) Hill District Fire Service,

(viii.) Mount Parker Catchwater-Repairs,

(ix.) Main to Sywan Battery,

1,726

7

347

268

242

149

Item (i.) The various extensions described in last year's report were completed and the works are now amply adequate for present requirements.

Item (i) This work consisted of constructing two weirs in the bed of the main stream in the low-level portion of the Tytam Valley, fitted with gauges and recording apparatus, for the purpose of ascertaining the quantity of water flowing in the stream under normal conditions and during moderate rainfalls. One gauge, which is for measuring the flow during the dry season and small rainfalls, is a V-notch, 4 feet deep: the other, which is for measuring the flow during moderate rainfalls, is a rectangular gauge 40 feet long by feet deep. The latter is capable of recording up to 233 million gallons per hour. There is no provision for recording floods in excess of this, but the apparatus indicates their duration.

Item (i.) In consequence of complaints received of an inadequate supply of water in Bridges and Staunton Streets during the period of intermittent supply, the old mains in Elgin and Staunton Streets were taken up and replaced with larger ones, thus enabling a proper supply to be obtained.

Item (iv.) The water supply on Green Island had hitherto been obtained from a well, but, as a spring was discovered in the course of excavating the site for the new Gunpowder Depôt, some tanks and a pipe and pump were installed to render available the water from this source.

The number of people resident on the island has of course been considerably increased by the establishment of the Gunpowder Depôt and Signalling Station there.

Item (v.) As it was necessary to re-surface with concrete the portion of Conduit Road Extension past Queen's Gardens, it was considered advisable to lay the water main in this section in the first instance.

Item (vi.) The water required for watering the Racecourse and golf greens in Happy Valley had hitherto been obtained by damming up some of the ditches, thus causing pools of stagnant water which afforded suitable breeding-places for mosquitoes. To obviate this, a supply has been afforded by laying pipes connecting with the main from Blue Pool and furnished with the necessary taps and hose-connections. As will be seen from the statement, the Jockey Club and Golf Club contributed largely towards the work.

Item (vii.) This work was described in last year's report.

Item (viii) The invert of the catchwater had been scoured out in places and it was necessary to make this good. Sundry other repairs were also effected.

Item (ix.) The sum shown was for the completion of the work described in last year's report.