Pambula’s hospital, originally established on the corner of Toalla and Narregol Streets in 1898, relocated to the present site in 1917. From that time, the facility’s water supply was reliant on whatever rain fell locally to fill the tanks erected on site.

 

Then, in May 1935 the Public Works Department carried out a survey with respect to the installation of a water supply and septic sewerage system for the institution. The local Hospital Board, then responsible for the management and administration of the establishment, secured permission from the Imlay Shire Council to test water from the Town Well in Merimbola Street but although that work was undertaken, no further action appears to have been taken because in 1937 the Hospital Board requested the Health Commission to proceed with, among other things, the work of installing a water supply. Local media reported in August that year that almost £4,000 was to be spent on works that included the water supply and in 1938, the Secretary of the Hospitals Commission, Mr. Lewis, visited the district, bringing with him plans for the installation of the much needed infrastructure.

 

By that time, cost of the combined water and septic projects were estimated at £6,000, but although the works were regarded as important, work on sinking the well for the hospital’s water supply did not commence until 1942 when the contract was awarded to a Mr. Greenfield of Sydney. The brick and concrete lined well and associated piping was finally completed and in operation by 1943. Located on the eastern side of the town well, the water was pumped through a pipeline up Merimbola Street to tanks on the hospital site.

 

The well only remained in use for a period of about 12 years, until 1955 when the Tantawanglo Water Scheme was inaugurated. The hospital was connected to the town supply that year and as it was no longer required, the well then fell into disuse. The weatherboard pump room was relocated to a property at nearby Nethercote and the well, although still in existence, is now overgrown to the point where, in contrast with the nearby town well, few residents know of its existence.

 

In its current state, the old Pambula District Hospital well makes little contribution to the aesthetic or heritage character of Pambula. However, despite its relatively late date of construction and short span use, it is an important link in the development of both the town’s water utility infrastructure and local medical facilities. If appropriately protected and interpreted, it offers an important link with the past.

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© Angela George. All rights reserved.

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