WATER SUPPLY TO SHIPPING.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2906, 8 June 1878, Page 2

WATER SUPPLY TO SHIPPING.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sib,—This question having been alluded to by a humorous correspondent in your columns, it would perhaps be as well to look at the matter as it stands, as it is often said, don't grumble unleis you are prepared to offer a remedy for what you complain of. Taking that as my text, I will commence with the Goods Wharf at Burke street: at present the supply starts from the main with about-a 3in pipe, which is gradually reduced lo Uin at the point of delivery. The whole of this piping is leaky, and when the vessels are being supplied with water, I venture to assert that for every gallon they receive two gallons go to

waste between the shore and the end of the wharf; next, Iho delivery hoae is completely worn out, and of course another waste occurs. Now, I would ask, is there any'comtnon sense in spending twelve pounds ten shillings for a meter to measure water flowing into the sea ; better to leave this matter to the Harbor Board, and perhaps that would meet the views of your correspondent, "Just So," us being one step towards our different governments working harmoniously together for the public good. What is wanted is a larger pipe down the wharf, so fixed as to prevent waete, a new hose, and the question of meter can come afterwards. Shortland Wharf also wants a - new hose. So much for water, now for light: Shortland Wh irf, one light is sufficient; but instead of the primitive one that now existß, introduce gas ; the main is clobo to, so that a small outlay would be sufficient, a* of course the Gas Company would extend the pipe under the same terms as for private bouses. The Q-oods Wharf shouli have a gas pipe run down to the end, and do away with these kerosene lamps. You could then introduce lamp posts on the most dangerous places on the wharf and prevent any more of those melancholy cases of people walkiog off the wharf into the water. These lights need not be kept burning all night) but might be either reduced or put out under the direction of the wharfinger, that is, when he has every reason to believe the traffic for the night is cger. The lights at the wharf end would, of courtßp*^ have to be kept burning all night. The importers of goods and owners of vessels pay a large revenue to these wharves, and are fairly entitled to reasonable accommodation. With the earnest hope that the Harbor Board will move in the direction ef trying to carry out the above much needed improvements, and not think this letter is written in a dictatorial spirit, but with an honest desire pro bono jntblico,—! am, 4c, ' Ikpobtkb.