The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1256, 28 March 1878, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1878.

Now that the question of the best scheme for supplying Christchurch with water is under consideration, it may be worth while to direct attention to a point affecting our present artesian supply. For some time past, particularly in the higher portions of the city, the wells have been all but dry. But while this is so as regards private houses there are a number of manufactories of various kinds in which there is a large quantity both used for the purposes of the factory and also wasted. Now the almost unlimited manner in which the water is allowed to run to waste in many instances affects the private supply to a largo extent. Indeed in many localities during the hours of working, viz., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the private wells in the vicinity of the factories run quite dry, and it is impossible to obtain any water whatever. So soon, however, as the hours of work are over the flow again returns. Now it would he absurd to ask for legislative enactment restricting the use of water for manufacturing purposes, and therefore we do not propose to do so. But in view of the comparative failure of the artesian supply it may he put to the proprietors of factories and other places of business using large quantities of water, to prevent, as far as possible, either the use of more than is absolutely required or the waste by running away. By so doing it is probable that during the hours we have mentioned householders will he enabled to got water for themselves, instead of as now having to depend upon chance or a more fortunate neighbour. That the artesian supply is failing, to some extent at least, is proved by the Manchester street tank running dry, and therefore it is more than ever necessary that until we have a properly organised system of water supply in Christchurch, there should be as little waste as possible on the part of those using largely from the artesian wells for manufacturing purposes. But it is not only manufacturers who waste water j in many cases private individuals 4o so to a very great extent, forgetful that by this they are depriving others of the use of water. There could hardly bo any legislative enactment on this subject which would work satisfactorily, but it is to be hoped that calling attention to the inconvenience caused will have the effect of checking waste both by private persons and those owning manufactories, &c. The Railway Department has, wo understand, taken exception to the statements made by the Wallseud Coal Company, relative to the short supply of trucks. The company are requested to subBtantiftto their public notice gs to being

unable to obtain waggons. So far so good, and wo have no doubt the Wallsend Company or its representative will reply to the request. But tbo Department in asking for this has, wo are informed, revealed a remarkable state of things. Two trucks per diem were detailed for each colliery, and so far probably as the Commissioner of Railways know they were regularly sent up. Therefore on reading the advertisement alluded to, no doubt the department felt that it had been misrepresented to the public. But on inquiry being made it is found that those trucks intended for the collieries have been intercepted by station-masters en route, and that they have never reached their destination at all, so that instead of the two trucks per diem which had boon allotted to the collieries going there, they were used in other directions by station-masters. It is hoped, now that this has come to light, that the Department will take means to prevent the repetition of the same conduct in future.

Although we have already called the attention of our readers to the matter, we again beg to remind them that the time for sending in claims to vote expires on Saturday. All therefore who possess the qualification, and who are not on the roll, should not omit to send in their claims. As the law at present stands every man has a right to vote who occupies a house without the boundaries of a town of the annual value of £5, and in a town of the annual value of £lO. A leaseholder renting property of the annual value of £lO has a right to a vote, and a freeholder whose property is worth £SO is also entitled to the franchise. All those who have paid rates during the year are also qualified, and their names should appear on the rolls if the clerks to the municipalities and road boards do their duty. But to prevent mistakes it would he as well that all who have the other qualification should send in their claims in the usual way. Printed forms of claims to vote can he obtained at the office of this paper, and after being filled in, and properly attested, should he sent to the registration officer for the district. We may state that a box has been placed in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, in which may be placed claims to vote for the districts of Christchurch, Avon, and Heathcote.