The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5247, 17 January 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1878.

It is sincerely to be hoped that the fire which occurred at Pipitea Point yesterdaywill havethe effect of stirring tofurther exertion all those who are in any way connected with the supply of water to this city. For fully half an hour after the fire brigades arrived on the ground the men had to stand almost with folded arms watching the progress of destruction, unable to do anything owing to the want of water. When the last fire occurred in Thorndon, accompanied with lamentable loss of life, the people were assured that in a few weeks at the farthest there would be an abundant supply of water. The middle of November was fixed as the time by which the water from the new reservoir would be available to supply the city. But we have now reached the middle of January, and that desirable end appears as far off as ever. There seems to be some fatality about everything connected with waterworks extension affairs. It will be remembered that towards the close of 1876 the City Council voted a bonus of £ISOO to the contractor if lie constructed certain works capable of storing five million gallons of water before a given date. The contractor completed the work to the satisfaction of the engineer, and X'eceivod Iris certificate and the money. But somehow or other the work did not seem to be of the slightest good to the citizens, and at tho beginning of this summer the water supply appeared to be as defective as ever. However, further on, citizens were assured that after the second week in November they would experience no further trouble, anxiety, or possible loss through a failure in the water supply ; everything would be in working order, and the new reservoir, capable of storing some thirty-five million gallons of water, would be available. The Waterworks Engineer went over the works with Mr. Blackett some five or six months ago. All the portions of the work then incomplete were fully taken into consideration, and the conclusion was arrived at by tho two professional gentlemen that the work could be sufficiently advanced by the middle of November last to set at rest for over the fears of tho people of Wellington as regards water supply. But, as we have said previously, two months have elapsed since the proscribed date, and the experience of yesterday shows how little we can rely on the promises of Mr. M.vrctiant. Mr. Blackett, whilst giving his evidence the other day before the committee appointed to inquire into the Waterworks contract, was asked if he was aware of any reason why the anticipations as to tho supply of water had not been fulfilled. Ho replied that he knew of no reason other than that expedition had not been displayed in carrying on the work. He further stated that he was perfectly satisfied, when he examined the work with Mr. Marchant, that it could be completed at the time mentioned, and even now he saw no reason to alter his opinion. Tho Waterworks Engineer in his evidence failed to give a satisfactory explanation of the delay. Of course the pipes ordered from England not coming toliand at the expected time somewhat retarded the progress of the work ; but although everything was ready for laying them, six weeks actually elapsed after the arrival of the pipes before operations were commenced. It has been stated by persons whose opinions should carry great weight that the whole of the pipes could bo laid within, a month from . a fetart being made; but it appears that tho Engineer requires thrice as long. However, leaving on one side tho question of our future water supply, some explanation is needed to account for the

absence of water in the raairi yesterday for such a lengthened period after the alarm of fire -was given. At the fire in Murphy-street, by which a mother and five children were burned to death, there was a delay of three-quarters of an hour before the water from the reservoir was available in any force. About the same time passed yesterday before anything like an adequate supply of water to combat the progress of the fire was afforded. In fact, on tho later occasion, there was less pressure, notwithstanding that the fire was at a much lower level, perhaps as low as any position in the city. The Waterworks Engineer attributed the comparatively low pressure from the mains when the water did arrive at the Murphy-street fire to the elevation. The same reason cannot be given for the low pressure at the railway station. It will also be within people’s recollection that he accounted for the delay after the mains were fully on in the water reaching the fire, by a part of a wire netting used as a strainer at the reservoir being carried away and lodging in the pipes. At the inquest ho enunciated an ingenious theory about the wire gauze having assumed a funnel shape—illustrating the theory by means of his hat —and blocking the main. Every time the water was turned on, the blow that was given the funnel drove it, further along. On the occasion of the October tire it was between Brandon’s and Buruett’s corners, and consequently no water passed the Lambton main to the fire : all the water then available was afforded by the reticulation of the mains, and came over the Terrace. This would, he contended, account for the delay in the water reaching the fire. On the day of the inquest he stated that the “funnel ’’was between Burkett’s corner and the railway station. And there it is to this day, if we are to judge by the events of yesterday. There were doubts entertained at the time as to the soundness of Mr. Marchant’s theory, and he was instructed to search for the wire gauze, and satisfy the Council. It was felt, if the theory of the funnel was not a correct one, that tho people of Thorndon would be in great danger from the spread of lire if the water was cut off through some undiscovered cause. Mr. Marchant has not found the gauze, and the cause of obstruction -is not yet satisfactorily explained. Captain Moss thought it was really due to the resistance of the air in the pipes, but Mr. J. R. George, who may be expected to be possessed of considerable knowledge on such subjects, explained that after three or four hose were attached to the main the resistance of tho air would be slight. ; Whatever scientific opinions may be given on tho subject this much is certain, that a largo and important city like Wellington cannot afford to have the water cut off for a single hour, either by night or by day. The people of Thorndon may well feel uneasy when they reflect that three-quarters of an hour may elapse after an alarm of fire before any water is available. There was a high wind blowing yesterday, and under the most favorable conditions as regards water supply and appliances, had the fire broken out in a thickly populated neighborhood, it would have taxed all the energies of our two excellent Fireßrigades to hare prevented it making disastrous headway. We would not venture to say what would have been the consequences had a fire broken out on Lambton-quay or Willis-street yesterday, and made such progress as that of tho last (ire before discovery. There is no doubt that a culpable amount of neglect has been displayed over the prosecution of tho works for the supply of water to the city. In justice to the contractor we must say that no blame appears to attach to him in this particular. The City Council has ever shown an anxiety over the question of an early water supply ; but they were in the hands of their Engineer, and whatever may be said in praise of the professional attainments of Mr. Marchant, his dearest friend would hardly allege that he has shown any energy in pushing on tho works for the supply'of water. The City Council in the past has boon too lenient; but lately sterner counsels have prevailed, and let us trust that tho firm action of the Council now will result in securing that not a day shall be lost in affording the citizens of Wellington an ample water supply. The public health and the safety of property absolutely command, the civi* body to spare no effort to bring about the desired end.