FOXTON-RE FIRES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1503, 27 July 1912, Page 2

FOXTON-RE FIRES.

Sir,—As no provision semns to be made for extinguishing fires, kindly allow me to make a suggestion tn tho town councillors of that community. On account of its nearness to the Jlanawatu River, they have a famous opportunity for fixing a good ram, or they could have a stationary engine, with pipes leading into largo tanks, erected in tho locality of the business part, of the town which, when full, the engine could be _ utilised for quite a number of corporation purposes, and automatically utilised as tho water lowered in the tanks so as to continue tho filling process. So far so good. Then they could have half a dozen town water butts built on the same .principle as, the street watering carts (without tho water sprayer) only with a coupling attached to tho back end. These were iii'nso 60 or more years ago at Home, and kept always ready for use—if I mistake not,'.in the police yards —and at the first alarm of fire, the first horse there and getting away with ono to get filled and to the fire, I think, got £1; the second 155.; and the third 10?., as a premium, besides being paid for the time employed at the fire. Then again, it was the same with the engines, as the corporations did not always keep horses on hand as we do in our large cities. For instance, as soon as an alarm founded you would see carters going along Hie street loaded, unharness their cart?, jump on to their horses all harnessed aid make for tho nearest 'water butts or an engine, harness up and off full tear to the water hydrant, fill up and off. The carter's name was taken when taking his butt from the yard, so there was no confusion as to the rightful person. Now. «!"• if the Foxton folks, say lind their tanks in 'operation and fitted to fill the butts as they camo along, tho same as our locomotives take in water at the tanks along the line—of course, wo presume tho engine to be already nn the spot at the fire—all that would bo required would be to attach it to the butts as they camo along and as each was pumped' out, to start off again for a fresh supply. Each trip ■to 1« paid for, this acting as a stimulus for exti-a exertion. Now,, sir, J am sure if this tiling were done there • would not be <o much property sacriiicid, nor the. snfi'tiiplo of a multitude" of; jienple idly watching the destruction of valuable property With? out being able to render any assistance. Tutting this idea- may be thoiiitli of, in it would not Ij* an enormous expense,--••I inn. ftt-., ■ . - lIEXRY WAITOX-. Jnlv 23. 1912. ■"■ ■ ' "

LAND BOARD ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATION RESERVES. Sir,—When the Boards of School Commissioners were legislated out of existence iii-if"- year, (here wore many persons iviio wondered whether the change would nmvc to the ndvantasc or otherwise of (he reserves which they had been wonl lo administer. , and of the thoiisunds of Wee? who hod held under- them. Tho f'ommisioiiers as a rule enjoyed the vepution of beiiiir cons-idcrale and just landlord* exercising; with tact find also with due regard to their trust the ■ discretion which the. law eave them. Several of these boards had, nfter much consideration. n,nd in tho licht of wide cxperi-

which embodied right of renewal at rents fixed by arbitration, and based on the unimproved value of the land, protection of. le.'sees' improvements, and other details of an eminently liberal character, and this wisdom of .such u lraso was amply demonstrated by the readiuws with which lending institutions accepted it as a security for advances. Fifteen months' experience of I/and Board administration tends to show a desire to bring the leasing of the education reserves into lino with that of Crown lands, and already misgivings tiro being realised. The form of lease above referred to provides that tlio arbitration to fix tlio rent for each further term shall be. conducted by two arbitrators ( .ouo appointed by tho landlord and tho other by the ks-ee, and these two appointing their umpire, unless whero. the. parties agree upon one person to act as sole arbitrator. As the arbitrator has to fix the, now rent and ulso to determine tho value of the lessee's -improvements, it is of the utmost importance that lie should bo an absolutely impartial and unbiassed person, n-s well as being capable of fixing values. It will hardly b» credited that in one district the land Board has communicated with a number of tenants whoso leases have shortly to bo renewed, suggesting that they should agree to the appointment of one of its officials as tlio sole arbitrator! There- is also disposition to substitute the much balder and less liberal form of Crown leave for tho one heretofore held by tenants, and both lessee.; and the mortgagees need to bo careful' that they obtain what they aro entitled to-a literal renewal of tho expiring lease. As thero are large interests involved, and many hardworking settlers affected, I venture to draw attention to these matters through your columns, and to recommend a watchful eye to bo kept on Land board administration of education reserves.—l am, etc.'. A LESSEE OF AN E.R. July 24, 1912.