The Globe. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1092, 29 December 1877, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1877.

A meeting of the Committee appointed at the Fire Brigade dinner to inquire into the question of a water supply for Christchurch was held yesterday afternoon, and it was resolved “ that the City Council be respectfully requested to offer premiums for suggestions for a water supply for Christchurch and the suburbs, and that any suggestions received be submitted to Mr. Clark for a report thereon.” The Committee were also of opinion that no water supply scheme would be satisfactory, which did not provide a supply of water suitable for household purposes, as well as for fire prevention. It is evident that public opinion is decidedly in favour of something being done in this matter without delay. As we have shown before, the means at the disposal of our excellent brigade are so inadequate to stop the progress of a large fire, that it would bo the height of folly to allow things to remain in their present condition any longer. All agree that a supply for fire prevention must bo obtained at an early date. But it is also felt that the scheme should include a supply of water suitable for household purposes. The next step to take is to offer premiums for a scheme, and the question the Committee had to decide w r as what body should incur the expense. Mr Hobbs thought the Drainage Board was the proper body, as representing the city and suburbs, but others thought differently. So the City Council has boon asked to incur the cost of obtaining a proper scheme, and Mr, Clark, the great hydraulic engineer, is to be requested to give fcif? opinion upon

the schemes submitted. No doubt many curious proposals will bo laid before him, but if the premium be large enough to induce good men to compete, wo may succeed in obtaining an excellent plan. It is a pity, however, for his sake, that Mr. S. P. Andrews’s “ ornamental obelisk ” idea was given to the world some weeks ago. Had he waited till the premiums were offered he might have competed successfully for the prize. The idea is so delightfully original, and might have included a suggested series of hicroglyths and representations, recording the names and titles of our civic kings. Carefully stuccoed over and painted, it might be made to have all the appearance of [stone, and so be a true record of the style of architecture so much in favor in Christchurch at the present day. It would have the further advantage of being ranked among the wonders of the world, and so add to our wealth and importance by drawing visitors from all quarters of the globe. Who would care to waste time and money in visiting the wonders of Egypt when they could see in Christchurch, New Zealand, an obelisk three times the height of that of Karnuk, and covered with records far more interesting to the world at large F

Should Mr. Clark be able to recommend one of the schemes submitted to him, the next step will be the consideration of ways and means. If the plan includes a supply for domestic purposes, we must be prepared to pay something for it; if for fire prevention only the saving in insurance should cover the interest and sinking fund. In any case, however, wo hope the question of insurance will not be lost sight of. If the companies determine to keep up present rates the citizens will bo putting so many thousands annually into the pockets of the companies, as proper water supply would reduce the risk of a large fire to a minimum. We have already referred to this aspect of the question, and need say no more beyond again impressing its importance upon the Committee. When they report to the public meeting they will, we hope, be able not only to tell us that a feasible plan has been submitted, but that it is financially within our reach.