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Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1927, Page 2

The Borough Council lias begun its task of grappling with the water supply to assure its effective permanency. Following a report prepared l>y the Overseer at the instigation of Mr Jeffries, the Council on Friday night expressed favorable views with the idea of attempting something definite. The special report for the Council gave the impression that tho worst section of the pipe line is that traversing Tucker and Constitution Flats, and the first impression was to deal with the two miles of line most seriously affected. Beyond that section, however, there .are still danger points, but the matter

is otic of finance. Jn tlie latter eon- | nection, enquiry is to be made as to the relative costs of pipes of varying material and sizes, and it is in regard to this aspect that a special committee has been set up to investigate. It is of the greatest moment to the town to maintain the water supply in an efficient state. Its value for domestic purposes is well established, and householders know the inconvenience imposed when for various reasons it is necessary often to cut off the supply temporarily. Failure with the pressure at times is also a great inconvenience, as many have experienced, and these interruptions should he as infrequent as possible, and certainly not irom avoidable defects. For fire suppression purposes, the water supply lias proved its value over and over again. Fortunately it has never failed on such occasions, and there arc many good ‘‘saves'’ to its credit. The outbreak or fire last week was a ease

in point—the danger being averted immediately the water was put on. Had the old methods of pumping been in 'ague, the dwelling must have been doomed. It is therefore worth a good deal to the community to have its water supply in the best possible ordei k . Ihe section of the line prop-wed to be dealt with is tho one under the greatest pressure, as after traversing the flat, the water has to syphon to the reservoir at a much higher level. Tt is requisite that so important a link in the town supply should he forged as strongly as the circumstances will permit and the Borough Council is to be commended for taking, tbo subject up so definitely. There is still much to do in n preliminary wav, and it is for the special committee set up to clear the issue and bring down a definite proposal within the scope of the financial resources of the Council and Hie. town.