MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 429 
supply was only for domestic purposes. But, if the extinction of 
fire was also contemplated, larger quantities of water would be 
suddenly required, and if a pressure of 72lbs. to the square inch 
had to be kept up for the use of hydrants, then the main from the 
storage reservoir would have to be at least six times the capacity 
of a storage main leading into a service reservoir. Of course the 
cost of the main depends largely on the gradients, but in all cases, 
the author thought, it would be more economical to obtain the 
necessary pressure by pumping trom a service reservoir than by 
getting it direct from a high level storage reservoir. If the water 
supply was below the level of the town, but a site for a high-level 
service reservoir was available, the water would have to be 
pumped either into the reservoir or directly into the main, in which 
latter case the power of the pumps must be quadrupled. Even 
here, pumping direct on Holly’s or some other system, would be 
more economical than into a reservoir. If the town were flat, so 
that a site tor a high-level service reservoir could not be obtained, 
then of course pumping direct into the main would be necessary. 
The author explained in detail the different methods of getting 
pressure by pumps, and concluded by saying that experience had 
fully shewn that pumping direct into the main was the most 
economical, and that the system of supplying water by gravitation 
was being universally abandoned. 
Dr. Symes thought that great ignorance prevailed in Christ- 
church on this question. The gravitation system from the Wai- 
makariri was understood, but Holly’s system was not understood. 
A water supply was very necessary, and if Holly’s system was 
understood no doubt it would be adopted. 
Mr. Maskell wished to know if the cost might not be much 
reduced if the supply was limited to domestic and street purposes, 
leaving to portable engines the extinguishing of fires as at present ? 
Mr. Lambert said that every scheme had been rejected by the 
ratepayers, and the City Council was not likely to bring another 
forward. He did not believe in bringing water from the Wai- 
makariri. 
Mr. Reece thought that Christchurch was most advantageously 
placed for having a cheap and excellent water supply. Hethought 
that the City Council must soon make another attempt to get one. 
The President thought Mr. Dobson’s plan an excellent one; 
the only question was whether the artesian supply from the 
lower stratum would prove adequate? No doubt it was so at 
present, but before long everyone would be sinking wells down to 
this level. He thought it would be necessary for the City Council 
to obtain control over the artesian water supply before it could be 
laid on for domestic purposes. But for drainage purposes and for 
extinguishing fires, the River Avon could be used at once, and 
the artesian water at some future time. 
Mr. Dobson in reply said that it the mains were laid and wells 
sunk first it would be sufficient for domestic purposes; pressure for 
putting out fires could be added afterwards. The artesian supply 
from the 200 feet level would be sufficient for the first, with a small 
pump for putting on a pressure when necessary to extinguish a 
fire. If it was tound that the water ran short during a fire, an 
ample supply could be got from the Avon, and by mechanical 
arrangements, which he explained, the Avon water could be pre- 
