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Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1926, Page 2

It is to be hoped that the Borough Council will more quickly with regard to the proposed engineering inspection of the water supply system. Leaks have been manifesting themselves very markedly of late, and there are ' disquieting reports as to the water availaide at times for emergency. A suggestion has been made to us that seeing that the system introduced here was the work of 51 r Leslie Reynolds, it would be li proper step to take to place the position before that engineer and ask his advice as to the causes of the present failure of an adequate supply. The suggestions seems to have a good deal in it, both in justice to an engineer whose proposition here is being discussed very much, and in fairness to the scheme itself —whether time has justified the planning and tlie method of carrying out the work. It is undei'stood Mr Reynolds is engaged on a very large engineering work in the North Island at present, hut probably he could spare the time for a visit, and with li.is knowledge of the whole Work might be able to put his linger on any defect which is the cause of the present difficulty. It has been suggested Hint the system laid down by Air Reynolds \\lis not carried out nor maintained in its entirety; Therein might lie the gclieric cause or causes of the defects apparent to-day, and if this be so, it seems more apparent than over chat Air Rcynoldh might be asked to inspect tlie line of rac-e to determine the situation. The .matter is of very great import to the townspeople. They have enjoyed the water supply service under very favourable conditions, and realised its advantages when the llow was adequate. For domestic purposes the water supply was most satisfactory, while for lire extinguishing purposes the water was a conquering enemy of on outbreak when the regular pressure was available. In the latter respect the water proved a creditable safeguard against a serious cdiitlagratiun. But. when it is found the pressure has failed, the townspeople realise tlie false position in which they live, and disaster overtakes the place. A menace so serious as that now existing should not be allowed to prevail for any undue .length of time. The Borough Council has resolved Upon Securing engineering advice, and the steps in that direction should bo hurried. Seeing that Mr Reynolds at the outset supplied a satisfactory supply, now that there is a failure in the requirements, it would be fair and reasonable at least to seek advice from him as to the causes of the failure.

Tick serpent of ili-reputo has worked its will again in Elicit—thanks to female intervention. Actually Reform is not much the loser, except in prestige, by the result that the Prime Minister will find cause to speculate on the ingratitude Of tlie Aucklanders, who despite the lavish expenditure on public works in and around the city, still possess a decision of their own. Afiss Melville was tlie contributory cause, and Reform may again ponder on the harm to ho done by vote splitting when there is <a definite goal to bo reached, I lie polling was a very heavy one for a, bye-election, and tho result is not any snap divison. It is a result creditable to the Labor candidate on bis polling, for he hits well maintained 1 1 is strength shown in November last at the General Election, tvlicii lie was runner up to Sir Janies Parr. Sir James Gunson is not the- experienced campaigner the other Sir James is. while the Reform organisation appears to have been mismanaged to allow Aliss Alelville to have a ease lo go to the electors with. The fact that she luid very open support from avowed Reformers, including members < Pilrliament, shows her ease, w.is not i bad one; and the powers tliiil be slioul, have been more discreet in their .selection methods. But it is too Into to speculate on what might have been, and taking the fact as it is, n city electorate lias added another Lnboi member to the House. It is believed this will enable the Labor Party tr rank as the official opposition, and I lint position will carry special responsibilties, Libor will lie Oil trial and closer scrutiny in the more prominent position, and must needs comfort itself with greater discretion. It will lie a useful period of probation for the party. Reform may still go the even tenor of its vuy, for it enjoys a majol'ity ili voting strength placing it far beyond tin* danger of any snap divisions or well laid no-confidence motions. The Liberals will be in retrea for a period of three years. The hybernation may be usefully availed of in a general reorganisation of forces, with the idea of emerging later as a greatly stimulated factor in New Zealand politics. The fact that Sir Joseph Ward will be with the party in person wili lie of great help to the Liberals and of material service Lo Parliament. Indeed from iim Liberal side will colnr, at this juncture some of the greatest assistance tho country heeds, and fo that rOlson it is well indeed that tlie Liberals in Parliament include men of outstanding ability. In a little over two months’ time now the country will ho grappling with its political problems, and party exercises will then lie more interesting.