RE RECENT FIRE AT RONA BAY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1006, 22 December 1910, Page 9

RE RECENT FIRE AT RONA BAY.

Sir,—The report of above in yesterday's paper; was 'in l somo points misleading, tuid. was evidently inspired by someone with a view to demonstrating to the ratspayers of tho district how' necessary it is to vote for the expensive water scheme now being considered. When I came on the scene the furniture had been, cleared out, and all present were agreed that tbtr-o was no chance for the house. I connected a garden hose from tho cottage next door, which is supplied from Jlr. 6. Robertson's reservoir, and another hoso was connected up from the gardsai at the back, which is supplied, from the Rona stream reservoir. Now, these reservoirs supply over 50 honses at present, the one has a 3in. pipo and the other ljin., with a storage capacity of about 150 to 200 gallons of water, each. If the water ivas properly stored and 1 or 6in. pipe connected wo would havo a splendid .pressure, and instead of .200 gallons storage about 400,0C0 to 000,000 gallons to draw from. If, this firo proves anything it proves that as long as you havo a good pressure you do not need a very large reservoir for fire purposes. I 'am more than convinced that for 20 years at least that wo have plenty of water for all purposes on this side of the hills, and of tho very best quality. Tho correspondent goes out of his way to belittle the work of those who took tho iron off the roof and thus enabled both lioses to 1>? directed straight into the heart of the outbreak in,. the ceiling. If the fire had started on the floor of the building tlii.s would'havo bsen a mistake, but wo did what was most .practical, and did: not stand on ceremony or work on theory. Those volunteers who de?erve special mention were;—Jfcssrs. Pe.tlKrick, G. Hill, l M'Guire, Bryant, W. Vvise, Wills, Pulsford, and a number of others. • Tho insurance representatives express! surprise that we were able to save tho place considering tlio hold tire, fire had. Wo have good material, for a volunteer fire brigade, and to show my appreciation of the work I will give J32 25.. towards equipment for thc.Eaine.—l am, etc., . WILLIAM HOBBS.