The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 6, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1066, 6 July 1912, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 6, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Foxton is gaining quite an unenviable notoriety for conflagrations, and as being the one borough throughout the Dominion which does not possess a fire brigade. A small manual engine, with the aid of the water stored in the tanks at theßank premises, and this morning’s fire could have easily been confined to the front portion of the premises. But Foxton doesn’t possess even a small manual engine, therefore the fire was allowed to run its course unchecked. It was fortunate that the wind was blowing almost straight across the road, for had it veered a point or two to the north or south, another block of buildings would have bjpn converted to ashes. We have previously urged the sinking of fire sumps or wells at different spots along the main thoroughfare, and the purchase of a manual engine for fire prevention purposes, but nothing has been done in the matter. Water can be obtained a few feet below the surface, and the whole scheme, primitive though it be, would be sufficient to cope with outbreaks in the congested area. It seems absurd to wait for the carrying of a water supply loan belore anything is done in connection with the purchase of a fire fighting plant. In view of the present high rates, it is questionable whether the Council will succeed in getting a water loan through. Ratepayers are crying out against the burden they are asked to bear, and are disappointed that a more substantial decrease in the general rate was not struck this year. The opinion is growing that before the Council can succeed in carrying a water supply loan a decrease will have to be made in the general rate. How this is to be brought about is for the Council to decide. In the meantime the Council should, without loss of time, set to work to carry out a fire prevention scheme. It is scandalous to think that a town ol such importance can only boast a fire bell! One thing is certain, fire risks will go up, and it is possible that one or two companies will refuse risks in Main Street.

The division on Mr Massey’s noconfidence motion in the McKenzie Ministry was taken this morning after the Government had been defeated on a motion for adjournment, and resulted in the defeat of the Government by 41 votes to 33. Among those who voted with the Reform Party were the Hon. Mr Millar, Messrs Reed, Clarke, Coates and Rhodes. Members of the defeated party have, since the division, signified their intention of throwing in their lot with the Reform Party. This should give Mr Massey a sufficient working majority to carry on for the remainder of Parliament.