River-House Water System Fails; Inspection Demanded

In an effort to repair a break in the pipe line when runs from the Charles River to the Eliot House condenser, city workers yesterday afternoon dug a ten foot hole in front of Winthrop House, and employed a gasoline pump to draw off the escaping flood.

Indicating the likelihood that the entire length of pipe is weak, the men stated that they may inspect a large part of the river-house water system. In order to do this, they would have to make several additional excavations.

Fortunately, the break was not in the city water main. Had it occurred there, it would have flooded Memorial Drive, creating a problem far more serious than that which now exists.

Yesterday six men were employed on the job. The break will probably be repaired by noon today.