The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. TUESDAY OCTOBER 2, 1894. FIRE AND WATER.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 83, 2 October 1894, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. TUESDAY OCTOBER 2, 1894. FIRE AND WATER.

The destructive fire in Manchester stroet this morning emphasizes the necessity which has long been felt of a proper water (supply for the Borough. With the very iimited means at their disposal tho officers aud weu of the Fire Brigade did splendid service., *nd were the means of saving the valuable buildings adjaceut to tfee prenjp?

stroyed, and those on the opposite side of the street. But, had there been anything like a breeze of wind their exertions would have been futile, and much property absolutely destroyed, for the reason that the water available, and the engine — good as it is — would have been practically worthless. It has already been suggested in these columns and by capable correspondents, that sooner or later the question of a drainage system and water supply combined will have to be faced by the burgesses. Like every other proposal of the kind for the good and welfare of the Borough it has been postponed until " a more convenient season," a period in the history of any town or country which never arrives. What is really wanted is one energetic man to make a decisive movement, and he will find plenty of followers to give him willing help. Of course the cry will be raised «' What about the rate 1" Well, the answer to that is for every penny ofc a water rate a penny will be returned to the payer, while by the establishment of a thorough system of drainage the health of the people and their descendents for generations will be guaranteed. A vast saving would also be made in the cost of fire insurance, the premiums for which are at present so high as to be almost prohibitive. We do hope that the Borough Council, which is composed of practical business men whom we know desire the town of Feilding should be progressive, will do something in the direction now indicated. We may say that the ratepayers hero have unbounded faith in the present members of the Borough Council, but at the same time they expect more from them than from their predecessors.