Dual flush cistern

A dual flush cistern having a flush selection and actuation mechanism mounted therewith, said mechanism including:

• a flushing valve positioned in the base of the cistern, said flushing valve having a stem which, when lifted, opens the flushing valve;
• a full flush actuator for effecting lifting of said stem and opening said valve for a first predetermined interval, whereby substantially all the water is removed form the cistern;
• a partial flush actuator for effecting lifting of said stem and opening said valve for a second predetermined interval, the second interval being of shorter duration than the first interval, whereby only a predetermined volume of water is removed from the cistern;
• a floating housing mounted to the cistern and having a base portion and wall portions extending upwardly from the base portion and housing a float connected to said stem said housing being mounted relative to the cistern such that it is below the normal water level when the cistern is full and above the normal water level following a partial flush;
• outlet means in said housing having first and second openings in said housing, the second opening being selectively openable and closable by a control means, said control means being operative to open said second opening in reponse to actuation of the partial flush actuator of the flush selection and actuation mechanism, allowing water to drain therefrom at either a first or second drainage rate, said second drainage rate being faster than said first drainage rate, wherein said outlet means is responsive to actuation of the partial flush actuator to cause drainage from said housing at said second rate and responsive to actuation of the full flush actuator to cause drainage from said housing at said first rate.