View report page

134
The latter method was adopted, the piles being driven through the
loose sand and firmly imbedded in a solid foundation. It was
found that as the numerous piles were driven down the water was
excluded, and what was previously loose wet sand became a compact
mass and formed an excellent bottom to build upon.
" A departure had to be made from this method of obtaining
a firm bottom on proceeding further on account of the sand containing
too large a proportion of silt to allow of its compression.
It was, therefore, decided to drive piles as usual and place longitudinally
on the top thereof 50 lb. steel rails, fish-plated, bolted and
brogged on to the piles. On these rails whea fixed in position
3-inch York stone slabs were placed and on the stone the invert
blocks were laid the sewer being then built up in the ordinary
fashion. In places the strata of silt ran higher and in such cases
the sloppy silt was entirely removed and hardcore and cement
concrete substituted.
" A length of over 1,000 yards was dealt with either in one or
other of the methods above described and many other difficulties
overcome. Some idea may be formed of these when I mention
that throughout the whole length of the works not more than 200
yards proved sufficiently good to build upon without special treatment.
"The total cost of the work has been £21,231 8s. 8d., and the
estimate, together with a supplementary estimate of £2,000 put
forward during the progress of the work, amounted to £20,520.
£11,539 14s. 9d. has been paid in wages, and the Establishment
charges included in the above cost amounted to £1,154.
" The following information as to the length of sewers, and quantities
of material used may be of interest: —
Length of brick sewer constructed ... 4,590 feet.
Length of 18-inch pipe sewer laid ... 3,336 feet.
Length of 24-inch pipe sewer laid ... 950 feet."
The Committee considered complaints of offensive emanations