Municipal Matters.

Manawatu Herald, 2 June 1904, Page 2

Municipal Matters.

We note with pleasure the st-*ps taken by, the Borough Council towards improving the access to the flrebell. The fence that formerly separated it from the road has been removed, and it is now unnecessary to jump a railing in order to ring an alarm. We are also glad to see that a rope has been provided, so that the bell can now be rang from the ground. The old style of mounting (.he steps, and ringing the bell by hand, was both cumbrous and slow ; and it is satisfactory to note that even in a small way the Council is waking up to the fact that something must be done towards coping with the question of fire. We hope they will continue in the path they are taking, and make it their primary care to secure for the town an efficient water supply. As things are at present, in the event of fire, we would be entirely at the mercy of the flames, and forced to look idly on while our buildings were demolished. And the irony of it is that close at hand, we have a river, which, if utilised, would be sufficient to quench a larger conflagration than ever Fotfton could provide! It is highly dangerous that the existing state of things should be allowed to continue, and the Council will be failing in their duty to the community if they persist in letting the matter pass unheeded. In a manifesto issued prior to the recent Mayoral election, the Mayor stated his intention of giving the subject his early consideration, and we hope he will remember his promise, and bring the matter up for discussion before the Councillors when next they assemble.