Wairarapa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1878] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25,1892.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4284, 25 November 1892, Page 2

Wairarapa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1878]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25,1892.

Being ids extended title op the Waibaeapa Daily, WITH WHICH IT 18 IDENTICAL

Uhtiii Wednesday night last there has been a long interval during which the town of Masterton has enjoyed an immunity from any serious loss by fire. The period of safety has been eo protraoted, that Mr Bragging, the vigilant night-watchman, discovered that his subscriptions were falling off, as ratepayers had lulled themselves into a sense of security, and even questioned whether it was worth while disbursing a considerable percentage of their incomes to pay the almost ruinous . fire insurance premiums which aro exacted, The sad event of Wednesday night rudely awakened them from this pleasant dream, and, judging by past experiences, it is not at all unlikely that one serious fire may be followed by another, But, even in contemplating the late calamity, one great satisfaction may be experienced in the consideration that at a crisis both Fire Brigades were found to be efficient and in good order. It. is extremely creditable to them that, after a long period of enforced leisure, they had not in any way deteriorated; their plant was in good order, their discipline was all that could be desired; and the plucky manner in which they got to work and kept at it was most commendable. With the exception of the flood-gate mishap, for which they were not responsible, they did all that they could possibly be espeoted to nccomplish. Of course, if there were a highpressure water supply in Masterton, more could be done, and it speaks badly for business enterprise here when, with a reservoir within a mile, no effort is made to secure this boom. We believe the Lansdowne reservoir would give a high pressure supply adequate for firo purposes. We are not aware whether the levels have yet been taken with a view to ascertain what pressure would be obtainable from this source, but we feel assured that it would he well worth while to take them, bearing in mind that if the result proved satisfactory it would only cost a few hundred pounds to bring the water into the town, There iB, we know, an impression that the Lansdowne reservoir would only give a very low pressure' in Masterton, but we have heard well informed persons, notably a good amateur engineer who is an owner of the reservoir, express a contrary opinion. At any rate the expenditure of a trifling sum, probably five pounds, would oover the cost and would be sufficient to determine this point and to indioate the volume of water which could be brought into the town and the height to which it would rise. More than one thoroughly competent engineer resides in Masterton and it is a great pity that on a question of such vital importance professional advice is not taken,