The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JAN. 9th, 1922. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JAN. 9th, 1922. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Each recurring dry spell of weather emphasises more the need for an adequate water supply of the town. The past week end was another example of the much felt want, while the future of the town, with the prospect of a great influx of people for next sumbmer, seems to make it imperative that the water supply should be brought up to “adequate proportions. The people have got so used to the convenience of the water supply, that it cannot be done without, aiid any restrictions are very inconvenient. For fire prevention purposes the certainty of an increased supply is imperative. Duiing the past few days property has been in grave danger because of the inefficient supply and lack of pressure. Were a fire to break out under the conditions lately experienced, the firefighters would have to rely on the manual and steam engines and the property holders affected would have to bear the loss. The high pressure service is out of action, and we are wondering how much longer the people are going" to put up with this unsatisfactory state of affairs. There is a great responsibility on the authorites who neglect the matter as they do each recurring season. The shortage of water is a familiar complaint—year after year—and though the condition is deplored, and hasty make shift arrangements are attempted, still nothing is done to deal comprehensively with the question. There are several suggestions which might be made. The authorities however seem to resent any help of that nature. They certainly ignore the suggestions. It appears the time has arrived for the citizens to take up the matter. Probably if the public were made aware of the danger the town stands in owing to the shortage of water, in the event of an outbreak of fire, some move might be made. It is necessary for prompt action on the part of some'one, and the move should be to organise some definite line of action which will assure a.' good water supply for the town in keeping with its requirements and the early future prospects of the place. All parties are affected, domestic as well as business people, and an augumented supply of water is essential. It is certainly the business primarily of the Borough Council to see to this matter, but jf that body continues to neglect its duty, then the Fire Brigade, the Progress League, the Chamber of Oom- ; merce, and any other organisation hav- j I ing the interests of the place in mind should seek to concentrate action in the way desired. The matter should not be delayed nor postponed. To biing about the desired result will take some ; time, and seeing that the shortage is an hourly menace, the lose of time is

a serious circumstance. There is available the best of water, and it seems stupid in the extreme to neglect the opportunity which is so pressing, and imperil the safety of the town, and the health and convenience of the people, for the want of a more adequate supply. The obligation for action is on the controlling Council, and we repeat failure to act in the necessary direction should be taken up by the citizens whom we are convinced are alive to the responsihilty, and are prepared to back up the local body in all reasonable action leading to an improved water supply service.