Early history of the undertaking—1879. weight of the plunger and balance-weights was about 18 tons. The pumps worked best at eight strokes, raising 231 gallons per stroke each, but could be run up to thirteen strokes per minute.
The contract contained a general description of the work, stating that the tunnel would be 7,942 yards in length, or just over 4½ miles; that the total length of the railway included in the contract was 7 miles 5 furlongs; that the work under the deepest part of the river, known as the ‘Shoots,’ for a length of 660 yards, should be proceeded with before the other work was commenced, unless the engineer-in-chief should otherwise order. The contract then stated that certain drawings were signed as forming part of the contract; that the engineer had power to substitute other drawings and make any alteration that he thought necessary during the progress of the works; and it was provided that if any alterations were made, additions to or deductions from the contract sum should be made by the engineer to compensate for these alterations.
The work that had been done by the Company was then set forth in the contract, and the pumps and other plant already provided or ordered by them was also set forth in detail; and it was arranged that payment should be made for the use of this plant by the contractor.
The usual clauses were inserted as to the power of the engineer over the works, as to progress and other matters.
