THE GLOBE. THURSDAY. JULY 6, 1883. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2573, 6 July 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. THURSDAY. JULY 6, 1883. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

It is to be regretted that the Mayor should, after taking up tho position he did last night, have allowed any resolutions to be put. He was perfectly right in pointing out to the meeting that resolutions at a meeting convened nnder the Act were superfluous and oat of place in view of the ballot. He might have gone further, and said what is a :fact—that the whole proceedings of the public meeting was a farce, having no ultimate end whatever. "Why it should ever have been inserted in the Act is a mystery; but there it is, and the Mayor was quite right in declining to put resolutions which would, as it were, prejudge the matter to be submitted to the vote of the ratepayers. The only thing we blame His Worship for was yielding to the noisy clamour of Mr. Samuel Clarkson and others of a similar calibre who go to our public meetings and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Having decided the point it would have been far more dignified in His Worship to have declared the meeting at an end and left the chair. The proceedings were a repetition of what has occurred before many times. Despite the clear and convincing statements of Councillor Vincent the great body of those present followed like sheep the lead of Mr. Samuel Clarkson, though the latter-showed most conclusively that he knew nothing whatever of the matter under discussion. So long as, apart from thoughtful consideration of all the surrounding circumstances, the public are misled by the cry of more taxation, so long will Christcliurch stagnate as it has done for years past, and lag behind the other cities of the colonies in the race of progress. It has been conclusively proved that the scheme, if put in working order, would return at least a fair percentage on the outlay, besides the increased comfort and security afforded to the citizens. Of course it is no use arguing with such men as Mr. Clarkson, who resolutely refuse to see the facts patent to all else. The sweeping of our side channels, and the flashing of those which the artesian supply fails to reach, costs the ratepayers something like £ISOO per annum—a very largo portion of the whole sinking fund of the proposed loan. How inefficiently the work is done need not be dilated upon, but there is even worse than thia behind. The refuse from our side channels, &c, is raked on to the side of the streets, and there a considerable portion cf it remains to be converted by the sun into disease germs, and carried by tho wind into our dwellings. An efficient water supply would obviate all this. There need be no sweeping of channels, the force of the water itself being sufficient to keep it well clean. Still speaking on tho sanitary part of the question, we come next to the watering of the streets. How miserably inadequate the present system is we all know oy bitter experience, and yet the purchase of these carts and horses, and the employment of men connected with them, is yet another item of expense, 1 which would be completely done away with had Christcliurch a water supply scheme in full operation. It ia simply ridiculous for anyone to stand up in a public meeting and make the assertion that Christchurch has a magnificent natural water supply, as was douo by Mr. Reese. How that gentleman can reconcile this statement with what is really the case we do not know. Mr, Reese, equally with other residents of : Christchurch, must be aware that in many parts of the city during the summer months the artesians do not flow, and severe inconvenience 13 experienced. Does this look liko a magnificent water Bupply for doinfstic purposes ? Mr. Rease must also be aware that, to utilise the very imperfect supply of tho artesians to any extent, expense must be gone to in order :o place pumps on thorn. This expense, in many of the smaller cottages, would, wa desire to 1

point out, be equal to, if it did not exceed, the cost for bringing the water into the house under the proposed scheme. Again, though we think the Fire Brigade is worth twice the amount spent on it, Mr. Olarkson and his friends will not deny that the cost is pretty heavy. With a water supply and fire-plugs the Brigadewould be reduced to a minimum and the cost also. "We should respire no steam fire-engines or expensive plant, and the work of fire prevention would be more efficiently carried ont, beeause those engaged in it would have improved appliances and increased water power. The city could then utilise in some other manner one at least of the present firs stations, because all that will be needed is a depot for the reels and other apparatus, with, say, accommodation for look-out men, whoso duty it will be to give an alarm in case of fire. These are points which Mr. Clarkson, and the brigade of which ho is generalissimo, appear to have entirely overlooked, despite the fact that it h&B been clearly put before the public more than once. They take upon themselves the role of public obstructionists, and it is marvellous to us to find men of good common sense being led away by noise and clamour as opposed to facts and figures. We trust the good sense of the citizens of Christchurch will prevail in this matter, and that all who have the interest and progress of the city at heart will use their utmost endeavours to carry the question at the poll. We have got the reputation of being the slowest city in New Zealand in the matter of pufclic improvements, and really the name is not ill-deserved. No sooner is a project put forth, having for its abjgct the improvement or beautifying of the city, than a howl is raised, led by a fow frothy agifators who, unfortunately for themselves and the public, have what is colloquially called " the gift of tihe gab." Let the citizens carefully conaider this matter in all its bearings, not being frightened by the bogey Mr. Clt»rkson has raised of " More taxation," which is baseless and unsubstantial, bu<: from a sanitary point of view, as vastly improving the health of Christchurch, and affording us increased security from fire.