THE WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4837, 22 September 1876, Page 2

THE WATER SUPPLY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —Last summer the reservoir was nearly exhausted after the fire at Messrs. Turnbull and Co.’s store. Great inconvenience was caused by the short supply of water, and much was said about the formation of a new reservoir that would fully meet the wants of the public. But the summer is again drawing nigh, the consumers of water have largely increased in number during the last twelve months, and where is the supply to come from if a drought sets in ? Are we always to trust to Providence that a fire will not be of such magnitude as to be beyond what can be dealt with by our present supply ? and in oases of fire are the ratepayers always to be kept short of water ? Nothing has been done towards the formation of the new reservoir, and unless immediate action be taken very much inconvenience, if not suffering, may be caused next summer. If the water is insufficient for absolute requirements it cannot be spared to cleanse drains, &c., so that a scarcity of water may encourage the spread of disease. I trust that the ratepayers will not longer tolerate this apathy on so important a subject.—l am, &c., A Ratepayer. Thomdon, September 21.