NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 61, 26 July 1915, Page 2

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

RECENT KAiNS,

If tbe heavy rains last week have demonstrated one thing more than another it is that this dist'ict ia better uff than moat others in its immunity from flooding. With rain falling almoat continually for three daya and nighta-and heavy rain at that—one wouli naturally expect that the low-lyirg land in the vicinity <>f Waiuku would flooded, but with the exception of a fjw very small areas tbe district escaped any evil effects from tbe t.eavy rainfall. Even in the few caaes where pad docks were under water for a abort time, the damage was only trifling. Tbia shows the good effect of the drainage works, and also showa that the land ia well worth tbe p'iceb that have been paid lately. The returns from the land, tbe genial climate, and the absence from floods make the land round about Waiuku rome of the best in the Dominion.

FIRE FIGHTING. Waiuko has been comparatively five from the "fire fiend," bot residents would be well advised to tn<ike soma provision for fire fighting should a conflagration unfortunately ocrur. At the present time, if a fire occurred, property would be absolutely at the mercy of Hames except for what could be done in the way of prevention by helpers who would, no doubt, be willing enough, but whose efforts would be nullified to a certain extent by a lack of knowledge. It should not be a very difficult matter to form a volunteer fire brigade composed of members who would have training in tire fighting. Until the tows has a proper water supply,' with plenty of water at high pressure, it is not to be expected that a brigade could be obtained that can be relied upon to deal effectively with any outbreak that may occur, but that is no reason why in the meantime a brigade should not be brought into existence that could do good work in the event of a fire. In other towns the size of Waiuku., and in many smaller oneß, volunteer brigades are formed that train and practice regularly, and that do good work wlu-n their services are required. Why should not Waiuku tbake precautions for the emzrgency? We all hope that its earvices would never be required, but it is always well to be ready for trouble. In any case the members of the brigade would derive a certain amount of pleasure and instruction frjm their work, and there shuuld be no difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number of local men who would be Killing to give a lit'le of their time for the public good. Another aspect uf the question that presents itself is that in the event of a competent brigade being established fire insurance premiums would probably be reduced. The insurance companies recognise that fire brigades do good work iu extinguishing fires and know that where there is a good brigade the fire risk Is less. Would it nut be well for Waiuku people to recognise the same thing atid take steps to have a volunteer tire brigade formed ?

CLOCK WANTED. May be Waiuku has hardly arrived at the stage where the erection of an elaborate town clock would be justified, but it would be at least coavenient if there was a clock in a prominent position showing the correct time, so that residents could set their timepieces thereby. What seems to be a good position is the front of the post office, just above the posting boxes. Here it would be seen daily by most of the business peopl?, the greater number of whom visit the post office each day. The cost of a fairly good clock would be a mere bagatelle compared with (he convenience it woud be, and as the post office receives the correct time daily from Wellington 8t 9 a.m., there would be no difficulty in keeping the clock correct always. THE BO? SCOUTS. The boy cout movement gives every indication of being a great success in Waiuku, and there is every 'reason why it should be. The drill and training teach the boys gosd lessons cf obedience, straightforwardness, manners snd self-reliance, and must make for good. Jt is pleasing to note prominent citizens taking an active part in the movement, and their good example and teaching will do much towards bringing the Scouts to a high plane ot efficiency.