Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, FEB. 13, 1900. A Water Supply.

Manawatu Herald, 13 February 1900, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, FEB. 13, 1900. A Water Supply.

Thb otbor day the tfoWn Clerk informed the Borough Council that in his opinion the supply of pure water was of the most importance to any other tforkt tri tit's We agree with him, and have for many years- endeavoured to urge some proper attempt to get a good artesian supply. We feel sure that our efforts in this direction led to the sinking of the present well, which has not been the success it might have been owing to the men employed not having an up-to-date plant. It appears to us that the cheapest and best supply of water for this town is to be obtained from artesian wells, for the cost of conducting water from the ranges, though practicable, would be very costly, ihe Well We have, though flowing feebly, demonstrates that there is an artesian supply and what the ratepayers of the Borough have to determine are the steps best to be taken to secure a better supply. _ A motion was unfortunately carried at the last meeting of the Council to fix a windmill and pump and tank on the present well. All that this will do is to make the obtaining of the water easier to the carter, but it will in no way increase the flow. An experiment made last week to discover what flow the well had, proved that in four hours work at the pump the well was laid dry, and one and a half hours expired before the water rose again to the mouth of the pipe. The cost of a windmill, tank, and stand will be over £14 or £10, without much gain to the general public. This sum represents interest at five per cent on £800, and it would appear wiser to take some more decided course than to fritter this money away. The Borough is entitled to construct waterworks by loan, and thus they have full power to raise money* for sinking another artesian well, which if a success would be but the first of a series of wells which should be sunk at various points in the town, and the area served should be pleased to find the very small rate necessary for the interest on the outlay. opportunity is now given to the Borough to make a thorough test of these proposals as an experienced wellsinker has stated he is willing to sink a well, in the Main-street if desired, which he will guarantee shall give a full flow of water, and failing this will make no charge. We have heard the sum mentioned which would be reasonable on such a desirable object as a good flow being obtained, and though paying a little more on account of the guarantee, the Borough would get the satisfaction of securing what is wanted at a fixed price. Taking all things into consideration we are convinced the Council could not do better than abandon the proposed expenditure on the present well, and make terms for the sinking of a new one. The question of finance should not be a difficult one for the Mayor and Councillors.