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Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1923, Page 2

A haTiikk satisfactory position was revealed at the Borough Council meeting on Friday night in respect to the water-supply. This is very much improved of kite, the attention of the Public Works Committee to several minor details having very satisfactory results. The public will appreciate this as for a considerable time there was much anxiety as to tile situation. The regular inspection of the line ol race ’s to he commended, as the action alfords tho opportunity of detecting il not anticipating any detects which might he appearing. The intake at the lakeside is to lie regularly watched for the future, a step which should ho an advantage in preventing blocking. The installation of a filter at the intake which was in use originally, might also bo looked into, as a moans of securing improved results. However with the reservoir often overflowing, there is now invariably not. only a good supply of splendid water, but also ample pressure to cope with any outbreak of fire in the town. The greater security thereby engendered is a matter upon which the townspeople are to be congratulated and the Council’s action in the matter appreciated.

It is to lie hoped before the next meeting of the Borough Council comes round thero will bo something definite to hand with regunl to the ornamentation of the Ireach. The Council is marking time waiting a rather belated report horn the Forest .Set','ice. The work involved is not of that nature which requires a great deal of consideration ivs to suggestions. There is much experience in other places in the Dominion to lie drawn upon, while what

- few local residents have done in the planting of marram grass lias shown what is possible under systematic treatment. The matter can hardly he taken up too soon, as Exhibition time is approaching, and the ocean front should he iu seemly order then, for hundreds of people are. sure to bo visiting the beach daily and enjoy the western zone laden zephyrs. A planting scheme and seating accommodation should he resolved upon without delay and the wot Its put in hand, so that the beach will become a show place and a popular rendezvous and not as it is now, a place rather to la* avoided. The beach is ;m asset, let us get- fill »vo can out of it.

Tm; Westland Chamber of Commerce has circularised tho subscribers of the ■Hokitika telephone exchange in regard to instituting a continuous service hero. •At present the exchange is open on week days from 8 n.m. to 11 p.m. with two hours only on Sundays, and ro:f:i ieied services on special holidays, t. tutor the continuous service tho exchange would bo ojK'ii day and night—and all through the night all the year round. There would thus he a great advantage, placing the telephone at soivice at any hour of the day or night. This advantage will l>e enhanced immediately when the metallic circuit from Christchurch through the tunnel to the Const is completed. At certain ln.to hours extended conversations at low bureau charges will Is? possible, thus adding greatly to the convenience supplied by the telephone. The charges are set out in the circular issued, and teh increased wist, covering the extended hours are not unreasonable for the extra service which would he available. The highest fee would he £lO foir business premises, and £7 for residence-. Whore there are party lines the commutation of tho fees is substantial. In view of the general outlook for the town there should be the disposition to secure the installation of tho new service.