The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 28th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 28th, 1923.

BOROUGH AFFAIRS. The periodical meeting of the Borough Council on Friday evening disposed of a considerable range of important business. A reference- was made in the previous issue to the important Committee reports dealt with. Arising out of that of the Public Works Committee, quite the most important mattor was that affecting the water works. It is very pleasing to learn that the supply is now more adequate, and that in point of fact the reservoir has been overflowing for some days. That is very good news, and the sustained result seems to suggest that with proper care and management the same satisfactory record may be maintained. The proposal to have a regular inspection ot' tlu* pipe-line is good and is most necessary. On the principle that a stitch in time saves nine, it is better to attend to prospective repairs, rather t.lian to wait for a break and then have the whole service jeopardised while forced repairs are in hand. The Public Works Committee lias made some very sensible suggestions regarding the control of the pipe line, and by givng effect to tho proposals the town will benefit by the attention. The idea to secure an overflowing reservoir is what should he aimed at. This brings up the question of a second service lino to meet the position when breaks occur. That is a matter which must lie considered inovitahly. The present line is defective in some respects, and its age further affects the life of the wire (binding tile wooden staves. Possibly by closer attention and better nursing, the need for the second line of supply may be deferred. The fresh arrangements will no doubt, be given a trial before the Council is prepared to undertake a larger water works expenditure, unless satisfied the outlay is imperative for the public safety. The same Committee brought down important. proposals in regard to road and footpath maintenance. A new system Ls to l>e intioduced. There is room for it, because tno present state of the streets calls out for attention. The Council is not at this juncture, ready to finance a l«rgo expenditure for machinery, but the Committee has given an earnest of its good intentions, and members "ill be expected to move circumspectly. The Council is certainly to be congratulated on its decision to have the Town Hall renovated, and the Public Library re-roofed. Attention in that direction is long overdue. The Town Hall is a handsome building, an ornament to the town, but it is being allowed to drift into a state of outward appearance which suggests lack of interest—to say tho least. So with tae valuable 'building, the Public Library, where through a defective style of roof considerable damage is lieing done to the internal structure. The measures proposed to remedy the defects in both these important- civic buildings are to be commended, and the Council's action will he approved very generally by the ratepayers. Tho question of appointing an engineer municipal works was deferred to the" next meeting. Such an appointment appears to bo inevitable when the Council sets about its loan expenditure if tile host results are to be secured from the large sum involved. There are other matters outside the loan expenditure whereon tho advice of an engineer will lie of service to the members. Tile details affecting the maintenance of the water works will afford a field wherein export advice will often ho sought. If, also, the reserves within the Piorougli are to be brought into use for residential purposes, surveywork will be necessary, and an engineer will then be indispensible. The Council is, therefore, shaping in tho right direction by considering such a proposal, but on the- face of the notice of motion which has been given, there is the question whether the salary mentioned will secure the services of the class of officer required for such a post From the foregoing it will be seen that- tho new Council has set out on a more vigorous policy in regard to municipal works than was hitherto the case. The fact that the loan moneys will ho available shortly, combined with the prospects of the town are no doubt the incentives for tho activity, and it is hoped with such a good beginning, the Council will carry on and put up an improved record for the benefit and advancement of the town and its environments.