Historical information

This set of photos is from a leather bound album bearing the inscription "HUME RESERVOIR AUSTRALIA" plus 'The Rt. Hon. L. C. M. S. Amery, P. C., M .P.' all inscribed in gold. It was presented to The Rt. Hon. L. C. M. S. Amery, P. C., M. P, Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on the occasion of his visit to the Hume Reservoir on 2nd November 1927.

Significance

This album is of local and national significance as it documents the planning and development of the Hume Reservoir up to 1927. It was the largest water reservoir in the British Empire. The album records the pioneering engineering work that went into its construction.

Physical description

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, N.S.W. (continued from previous image).

have been completed, Locks Nos. 2, 4 and 6, also in South Australia, are under construction. In the description of the Hume Dam the following emendations have to be made. The total length will be 5,300 feet of which 4,258 feet will consist of an earthen embankment. The maximum depth of water conserved will be 24 feet more than originally intended with an additional allowance of 9 feet for surcharge, the total capacity will be 2,000,000 acre feet, the water surface at full supply level 44,000 acres, and provision is being made for a flood discharge of 182,000 cusecs. For handy reference, the main dimensions and figures and comparisons with other dams throughout the world are given in a tabulated statement attached. The Hume Reservoir will be the largest in the British Empire. Photographs showing the work at various stages of construction are appended.
The Resident Engineer for New South Wales from the start of the work until his recent promotion to the position of Inspecting Engineer was Mr J. Keith Ross, M.A., B.Sc., A.M.Inst.C.E., who has been succeeded by Mr S.W. Jones, B.E., A.M.Inst.C.E. The Resident Engineer for Victoria is Mr A.W. Johnson, B.E.
(Signed) M. Inst.C.E. Chief Engineer New South Wales Constructing Authority 27th October 1927.