FIRE PREVENTION.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1031, 7 May 1883, Page 2

FIRE PREVENTION.

There is scarcely a town in the Colony which is in such an unprotected state from fire as this is. True, we have a brigade, and an efficient little body too, but had we half a dozen such we should be very little better off owing to the want of a water supply. We ought to look seriously at the fact that if a fire were fco break put and be assisted by a strong breeze, the town would stand a very good chance of being blotted out altogether. Fortunately fires are scarce, but the breezes are plentiful enough, and when least expected, we may ; have a startling experience of what the combined forces could accomplish. Ought we not to take some steps to guard against what would prove a ruinous disaster. We venture to think that instead of pursuing the drainage scheme, part of the loan should be devoted towards obtaining a supply of water for fire prevention purposes. We believe £IOOO would be sufficient, and it would be money well spent. Nothing very elaborate would be required. Three or four large underground tanks in different parts of the town, and a powerful hydraulic ram to force the water into them, would be the principle items of the 0ut1ay..... The stream which runs from Mr Palmer’s property on the Whenuakura block, might be utilised, as there is a good flow of water, more than sufficient for the purpose named. Drainage is an excellent thing we admit, but it seems to ns that bur first step should be to protect the property for the benefit of which the drainage is to bo made. If riot too late we should like to see this matter discussed in the Borough Council, and outside as well. Property interests in Patea are becoming valuable, and should riot be left at the mercy of the destructive element. Besides, if anything approaching an efficient water supply were carried out, citizens might anticipate a pecuniary benefit in the shape of a reduction in the rates of insurance premiums. But while the town is in its present unprotected state, neither the Fire Brigade nor anything else could avert a catastrophe, if at an outbreak of fire, circumstances were favourable to its spread. ■