Journal entry – John Grey – 23 Aug 1833

Friday 23rd August 1833

       The river having risen a good deal in the night, I went with some anxiety to see its effects on the unfinished works on its banks, but found all safe and uninjured as far as I could discover, and the men employed in providing  materials to resume their operations as soon as the retiring of the water should allow.  

       I then proceeded to examine Mr Leadbitters reservoir into which my little water seems at present to come, and that even not very well secured, on Account of some fault in the Sluice which allows a part of it to escape.  From the situation of the reservoir an abundant supply may always be collected from the higher grounds in a wet season, but at times when there is no water on the surface and the springs are low, I fear there must be a scarcity, and of the two springs which he mentioned to me, and which I examined, that in the field attached to the old public house, is both in too low a situation and too scanty to be of any use - and that rising near Snokoe quarry would I fear be in danger of sinking in the gravel, during so long a run.  If the present showers should not afford him a supply, I must try some expedient to procure one.  Too much money has already been expended upon this machine, to have it allowed to stand for want of water, if it can be prevented.