Water was in short supply due to the long time it took for the horses to cart water from Jacksons Creek. There was insufficient water to clean wards, bedding & clothes. In one overcrowded ward, 82 boys were washed in one small tub with only three changes of water. The death rate was 11% in 1865 and 9% in 1866.
Eight to ten large underground storm water tanks of brick construction were spread throughout the precinct to provide water for drinking, sanitation, irrigation, cooking and fire prevention. In October 1865, the first 3 of the tanks were connected to the dorms to supply drinking water.
By Jan 1866, pipes were laid and a reservoir on the hill finished, but there was still the problem of getting water up the hill.
Works for the installation of an engine & pumps at the Industrial school were completed on February 5th 1868 at the cost of 550 pounds. Later that year an engine shed was built at the industrial school.
Not surprisingly once water was more readily available, conditions and the children's health improved, and the death rate declined.
Nearby GZ you will see a set of foundations of a large steam pumping plant from around the late 19th century, and a boiler and bluestone foundation of an early pumping plant.
The boiler from the portable engine is probably 1860’s, and rare, as is its moulded bluestone foundation. The plant is also rare for its association with a water supply system, and as one of very few steam technology sites remaining in the Melbourne area.
The site also includes an early cobblestone road, approximately one kilometre long, which meanders from the pumping station to the industrial school site at the top of the hill. This enabled horse drawn wagons laden with coal to provide fuel for the boiler in extreme weather conditions.
You are looking for a small camouflaged container, small swaps only
Take care during snake season