Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, JUNE Ist, 1920. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, JUNE Ist, 1920. THE WATER SUPPLY.

A’r the annual meeting of the Hokitika 1-ire Brigade a week ago, the Superintendent m the course of his report de livered one paragraph which, is of concern to all parts of the town and to every number of the community. Mr Braddou said:

‘■j desire to place on record the one great and grave anxiety we have .It lias been apparent for some time that the Borough Water supply is not sufficient to meet all the demands made on it, and if some steps to Overcome this difficulty, are not taken ' in the near'future, I feel that m the event of a serious outbreak of lire, serious "trouble i may be looked for, more especially during the summer months.”

. This statement is very definite and should be at once arresting to all who are interested in the safety and security of the town (from fire. It ,s hoped there will he some means by which this official statement- on behalf of the Fire Brigade will be brought to the direct notice of the Borough. Council. Tlie members of the Fire Brigade perform a splendid voluntary service for the townspeople—all too little publicly recognised also. It is apparent if the Brigade is not equipped as it should be its services cannot equal what the members desire to perform. The present water supply has demonstrated over and over again what it can do in times of stress when effectively handled by the brigadesmen. As a matter of fact the water supply during the years it has been at this disposal of the town, has been a magnificent insurance against serious disaster by fire. In that respect it has paid for itself over and over again. For some time now it lias been apparent the supply has been inadequate, for the flow of water has not been equal to requirements. A much larger volume could be found use for and from time to time there has been the suggestion to augment the supply. It is notorious that in dry weather there is not an y surplus water available for the municipal baths and a- useful adjunct to the amenities of the town stands unused. Mr Braddon’s report at this juncture when the town is on the eve of a forward progressive movement, .suggests that it is time the people took their courage in both hands and launched out for a- scheme which would meet all local requirements covering also the immediately prospective. \ long-deferred loan proposal for town improvements is said to be again on +he tapis, and this scheme might well Include a provision for increasing the town water supply and not only making the position as regards fire secure, but also provide a surplus water which would he usable for small industrial undertakings and so enhance the pro- . duotivity of the place. The time is op- j portune for a comprehensive report to bo prepared on the possibilities of more ; water being obtainable, either supple- j mentary from the present source of supply or from some independent source alogether. The latter alternative is not impossible, and if secured would give two strings to the bow, so that if one failed through storm weather, probably the second would hold, and there would bo less liability to interruption, \bout • a month ago there was a very serious break on the line of supply, and for j the better part of three days the wn- j ter supply was cut off. This was sari-

ous and it would have been so demonstrated had an outbreak of fire occurred at the time. The matter is therefore of special public concern, and the Borough Council owe it to the community to take up the subject and so render the position secure. Mr Braddon’s warning leaves no loophole. It details the'possible danger ahead, and as the controlling body in charge, it is for the local Council to remove so serious a menace. Failing to do so and disaster overtakes the town, the councillors will be the responsible people. The Fire Brigade lias done such excellent ser-

vice over so long a term of years, that any report coining from that source is worthy the fullest attention, and the Borough Council should take steps to consider the matter forthwith. That is their duty. The duty of finding tin ways and means rests with the ratepayers who will have to decide finally on any scheme put forward to raise money to'provide a more adequate water supply. Tlie Council is therefore only an intermediary in the matter, "after all.