The Globe. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1080, 13 December 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1877.

In various articles from time to time we have urged the growing necessity for increased facilities for tire prevention being afforded to our Fire Brigade. On the occasion of the demonstration which takes place on the 17th hist, Mr Superintendent Harris intends taking advantage of the presence of our City Councillors and other leading citizens to bring this subject prominently before them. Of the necessity which exists for an improved water supply there can be no doubt, and the only question to be debated is what scheme shall be carried out. There are several which might be adopted, and in favour of each of which much might be said. There are some who advocate the multiplication of tho present tank system, whilst others, more advanced and progressive in their views, wish to see a complete waterworks scheme for the city. It seems to us that it resolves itself into a matter of money. There can be no question as to the desirableness of the latter scheme. But the question comes, what would be the cost, and how is the money to be provided P Already the burgesses pay in the matter of rates quite sufficient, and to impose further burdens would be—at present at least—very undesirable. Still it is just as well that the matter should be publicly discussed, and no better occasion could be affored than the gathering of the members of the different fire prevention bodies. These gentlemen —more especially the active and zealous Superintendent of the Christchurch Brigade- —Anil be able to give some valuable information on the subject, which should receive all consideration, as it is the result of a practical dealing with the present system of water supply. Of one thing there can be no doubt, and the sooner we realise it the better. The city is now rapidly assuming a proportion in comparison to which, as a means of preventing tho spread oil &ro, tho tank system, is but partially effective, Once lot firo get into tho moro closely built blocks of buildings remote Iron: tho river, and the supply of water now at our command , would be wholly inadequate. But as we have pointed out, though tki& is so, it is matter for very serious consideration what \ we are going to substitute for the tank pyfifceaa. If we gweep that away, what

shall he put in its place that will in point of cost be within our means P Tins, we take it. is what Mr. Superintendent Harris will point out on tho 17th, and if his scheme ho feasible, and a way is shown to carry it out without materially increasing the rate now levied, we hope the City Council will take; the matter up and carry it to a practical conclusion. * The City Council having passed the byelaw with reference to the speed at which vehicles are to be driven round corners in the city, we conclude that steps will be taken to bring it actually into force. That it is highly necessary, no one will for a moment doubt. It oidy needs a very short walk along any of our principal thoroughfares into which cross streets run to prove the urgent necessity for some stringent measures. Escapes from accident are frequent, and in many cases all but hairbreadth. This is caused by the careless and reckless manner in which vehicles are driven in this city. They shoot suddenly round a corner almost before the unwary pedestrian has a chance of getting out of the way, and in the case of a. lady it is often extremely difficult to do so. If, as we suppose, the practical carrying out of the bye-law is in the hands of the police, wo hope that they will vigorously enforce its provisions. The fining of one or two reckless or careless drivers will have a salutary effect, and will go a great way towards the removal of Avhat has como to bo a perfect nuisance amongst us.