The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1928. HASTENING SLOWLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1928. HASTENING SLOWLY.

It is many moons now since the Hokitika Borough Council realised the fact that the . town water supply was in need of material attention to ensure an adequate supply at all times for all purposes. A committee was set up, hut events have -been hastening slowly, and it does not appear mmli has i n accomplished towards reaahing tlfe objective the Council had in view. It is high time the interest of the Council was excited sufficiently to provoke some definite action leading up to an effective culmination of the end and aim of the Council in the matter. There is occasion for such. For a long time the water supply line has heen on the border line of a break-down. As it is, there are numerous occasions when the use of water is very seriously curtailed, a fact which is most inconvenient to householders, and a menace to the general welfare. The supply line and the reservoir have to be under constant supervision and inspection. because of the liability to sudden leaks, and there have been occasions when alarm was shown at the state

of affairs brought about by a had leak being operative for a few undetected hours. Even how the restrictions on the use of water are very inconvenient and must be harmful to many. The fact ih.it water is not ava!nb!e at such a period a> the present for Hushing drains is certainly harmful to the publie health. Rut the water. not improperly, is being con-

served to a considerable extent to grapple with any .serious outbreak of lire Ifor such an emergency and to ensure adequate pressure for such a purpose, ii is requisite to retain at h'ast six I eel of water in the rexer'■oir. and this is being accomplished, but only ni die inconvenience of the 'Miiiseliolders generally, regarding the tree u-c ol water tor domestic purposes. However, mindful of what happened at. Keolton Ir.st week, when a loss ol over C.'lO.OtK) resulted from a ravaging lire, tliere is wisdom in retaining sidlieieiU water to rope at high pros Mite with any outbreak here, which under ordinary conditions it has Ik-oii ‘■hown the water supply is capable-of doing without serious risk of a disastrous extension of tile lire. In view cl all the contingencies, therefore, it would appear it is high lime for the Horn ugh Council to lake definite steps towards an improved water supply scheme. A good deal of cost will roI'tire to he fared and on that account the Council would he well advised to take good engineering advice. It seems that it will ho necessary to lay a fresh line of pipes from the lake to the reservoir. This should be ait ude9»ate cute lot- llie ills Ibe town is now suffering from through the slioftag" of water. Having resolved on what is considered necessary. the Council might well sock expert, advice as to Ways and means for carrying through Mich a proposal. The probable cost combined with the efficiency of such a scheme must be ascertained first. and With that 'information definite, the Council must set its finance in order. \Ye believe that for the security of a good and permanent water supply the ratepayers will he prepared to meet some extra charge in rates. Actually the lio rough rating is not high in this town in regard to the area to he served. the valuation of the properties, ami the general value given in the municipal services. It might he possible even to readjust life present riding. SO that anv access,•! rv addition would be mini ni isccl. Tlmso hit «}<»_ inil.s tor tin* Coitncil to work nut. :md can 1.0 tell sal'elv Io that, body \vi||,oii I ally lear ol utidiio <-xi r;i vagance. lilii wo would urge now that the subject matter he proceeded with aetively ihe respite re<|iiircd Icr invest iguliou Inis been extended far lon long, and I here .should non lx- .. dclinil--course of action with tin- object of reacting a. dolinile resolve to improve lie- water slipnU wiilu.ni furl'lier undue de'hiv.