The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY. MARCH 1, 1927. THE WATER SUPPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY. MARCH 1, 1927. THE WATER SUPPLY.

The Borough Council, it will have been seen by the report of the recent sitting of that body, is again perturbed by the condition of the witter supply service. It is well that it is so, for the safety ! and security of the water supply is of j the highest importance to the general I well-being of the town, and could ill be dispensed with. As it is the slightest I interruption even for repair work, is of great inconvenience, so that any serious hold-up- would lie the cause of discomfiture all- round. It is at this time of the year, when defects seem to make themselves too noticeable, and attention is forced on the mat- j ter. It is to be hoped that the Borough Council will proceed with its intention of making “the enquiries” it lias decided upon as an initial move in the matter. On a former occasion the Council had the opportunity of securing high expert advise, but drop]>ed the matter, just where the Council should have proceeded. If the Council harks hack to that position as a starting point, it will be a wise decision. There has been a good deal of temporising, without a definite line of policy At the most patch work onlv has been attempted as no- j cessitv demanded, and it is really fortunate in all the circumstances that the town has not been overtaken with disaster in this matter. The wooden pipes have not proved a success here, !

however suc.-essfid they may have been in another and drier soils. It hits been palpable now for some years, its a councillor remarked long ago. that (lie life of Hie wiie was the life of Iho pipes. Alosl of the leaks arc caused by breaking wires, iilit| Hie repairs in genera, are effected by holding the wooden staves with clamps. Ibis process ol repairing i“ going on ns leaks reveal themselves, but it is feared I hat there are often heavy leaks which do mil reveal themselves too readily. Several huge leaks have been discovered only by accident, which suggests flint many undiscovered leaks are in existence, and theta- imperil tile whole service. ’’The enquiries’’ proposed, call lor a complete report, tor it is necessary to sittislv the ratepayers no less than the Council as to what is required. Obviously I'unds _a considerable sum—-will have to lie found for the work necessary, This "ill eliinil a poll for ft loan, and for the effective result I lie best iiilorinat ion should be placed tiefore the electors. The most convincing will In- a Studied report of ail engineer. inal to that end (lie Council should work. The ratepayers have every sympathy with the Council in the diflienll.y wldeli lets arisen. Ihc whole circumstances ol the case arc well understood and there need lie no recrimination. Tl is at least satisfactory that the Council which is the guiding head in. the matter, realises the position, and if Ihc line of action taken is the right course, the public will give all the support which can be reasonably asked. We limy be convinced tlini. Ihe Council will tint, sanction extravagant expenditure. hilt something of a substantiill nature inttsl be faced, and it cannot be long delayed—for delay is dangerous in the extreme. A report therefore from an accredited engineer would he a useful beginning to assist in realising what is before the t iwn to assure fur the future n good and reliable water supply service to meet all reasonable <le- i mauds. I