THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1881. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2366, 2 November 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEM BER 2, 1881. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

It is very difficult to understand the apathy of the citizens of Christchurch with regard to the matter of improved water supply for fire prevention purposes throughout the city. At the meeting the other evening the prominent citizens, men who hold large properties within the city boundaries and pay proportionately large rates, were conspicuous by their absence. Those who were present appear not to have taken the trouble to consider the question in all its bearings, or to think out the good results which would accrue to the city. It is sufficient for them that the word rate is mentioned, and immediately it acts upon them like a red rag on a bull. They do not, or will not, see that the introduction of an improved system of fire extinction into Christchurch will have the effect of at once reducing the present enormous and exorbitant premiums wrung from insurers by the ring of insurance companies. It is probable that a small rate would have, for a time at least, to be paid, but even this would be more than recouped by the reduction of premiums. As before stated, the extent to which this was effected by the establishment of a water supply in Lyttelton amounted to 12 per cent. Thus, even supposing the cost of the scheme had to be met entirely out of the pockets of the ratepayers, the gain secured by a reduction in the cost of insurance, and the greater protection to life and property, would far more than counterbalance the amount to be paid. But it is contended that this will not be so. It is calculated that in a very few years the revenue received for the use of the water in factories and elsewhere will not only be sufficient to pay the interest and sinking fund, but also leave a very handsome surplus. Supposing this to be over-stated, and that all that can bo looked for is sufficient to pay interest and sinking fund, the muchneeded improvement is secured without any cost to the present generation. The repayment of the loan is wisely placed upon the shoulders of posterity, and it would be well for us if we bad done so with many others of our works in the city. Those who come after us will reap the benefit, and should fairly be asked to contribute towards the cost. Why, therefore, wo should hesitate in carrying out a work of such importance we are unable to say. The arguments used by the speakers opposing the scheme have nothing at all in them unless it be the cry of increased taxation, always a popular and safe card to play at a public meeting like the one referred to. As wo Lave pointed out, however, this has no foundation whatever in fact. Even the increased protection afforded to the lives and property of those who do not insure would in itself be a sufficient return for the very small rate, throe half-pence in the pound, which would be required to cover interest and sinking fund if not one penny of revenue were received. There is, however, every augury that in the future water power, if obtainable, would be largely used. It is cheaper, more cleanly, and safer than steam, whilst the fittings for its use are much simpler. In view of the large increase in our local manufactories,and the growth in our midst of industries requiring motive power, there can be no doubt that, once established, water power would bo largely brought into use. Even though the carrying out of the scheme produced only barely sufficient to meet the expenditure, the ratepayers would not bo called upon to pay a cent, whilst reaping the advantage of lower premiums for insurance. No one bettor than Mr. Superintendant Harris knows the ditii~ culties under which the Fire Brigadelabor, owing to the very iuetliciont water supply at their disposal. In season and out of season Mr. Harris has consistently agitated the matter, and yafc a few discontented people, without taking the trouble or pains to render themselves masters of tho subject, raise up an agitatiou under tho specious cry of more taxation. This cry is a very bogy put up to frighten tho unthinking portion of the ratepayers. As it is now our city lags behind any of its neighbours of similar sizo and importance, because whenever anything is proposed, either for

the health and comfort of the citizens, or for the beautifying and adornment of the city itself, the cry of “ More taxation is raised, and wo are content to remain in that apathetic state of torpidity which sns gained for Christchurch an unenviable notoriety. Are we to remain content whilst other cities in the colony, such as Dunedin and elsewhere, are expending money in works which tend to the rendering of them more attractive to the visitor and pleasant to the resident. We once mere repeat that wo are ashamed of the indifference to their own interests, and that of the city at large, displayed by our leading citizens in this matter. They are content to stand by and allow those having but a very little stake in the city, and whose contribution if the rate were levied, would be infinitesimally small, and thwart and obstruct a movement for the public good. Despite the resolution, we hope to see those ratepayers who have the prosperity and ■advancement of Christchurch at heart come forward at the poll and carry the scheme by a large majority.