THE WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4931, 11 January 1877, Page 5

THE WATER SUPPLY.

The following correspondence has been handed to us for publication : Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, January 5, 1877. Sib,— This Chamber has again been moved to- communicate with the City Council relative to the custom of turning off the water from the mains at night, and as to the best means of ensuring a prompt supply of water in the event of fire occurring during the night. A deputation of members of the Chamber has been appointed to wait upon you in reference to this matter, and I have been instructed to. jvsk you to be good enough to name. a time when it would be convenient to you to receive the deputation.—l am, &c., S. Carroll, Secretary. To His Worship the Mayor. The Mayor’s Office, Wellington, January 8, 1877. ' ■« Sib,— l have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the sth instant, in reference to the water being turned off m>m the mains throughout the city, during _ night. I may state in reply, for the information of the Chamber of Commerce, that in' the present state of the supply, if we would have, water either for fires or domestic purposes, it is absolutely necessary to have it so turned off. Our first experiment was to let on the water at midnight, in the belief that it would remain comparatively undisturbed till morning; but instead of this being the case a very striking diminution was at once observable. For m-’ stance, on-last Christmas nights, apprehensive of danger from the usual festivities, the water was retained uninterruptedly at full pressure, with the result of a loss of 2ft. 6in. in the twenty-four hours. It is impossible, in present circumstances, that such a consumption can go on, ■ I believe, 1 however,' our arrangements are so perfect that no apprehension for want of water in case of fire, need be entertained.) A watchman is stationed every night in Te Aro, and his instructions are very explicit, that, on the first tinkle of the bell, he shall turn on the water, and if he does so promptly, as there seems no reason to doubt he will, the water will be at any part of the city before even the fire can reach it. I should think the public will be satisfied with this temporary arrangement; at all events, I do not see what more or better can be done at present. A much-wanted fall _ of rain alone can solve the question more satis- * factorily. ' I would point out to members of the Chamber that their influence might be beneficially used in trying to prevent the wanton waste of water which is indulged in by many of the townspeople, some of whom ought to know better. ' . If, after this explanation, the deputation of the Chamber may still -wish to meet me, I shall be glad to fix Wednesday next, at 12 o’clock- noon, if that hour will suit them.— I am, &c., : ; ■ ,i William Hutchison. ’ S. Carroll, Esq., Secretary, ' • Chamber of Commerce, Wellington.