MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1924. WATER SUPPLY AND GREATER HAWERA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 June 1924, Page 4

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1924. WATER SUPPLY AND GREATER HAWERA.

Toe report submitted by the new superintendent of the Hnwera Fire Brigade (Mr Morrison) to the Fire Board on Friday definitely supports some of the reasons already advanced by those who desire to see the borough’s water supply improved as early as possible. The pressures given in the superintendent’s report are winter readings, and he is not satisfied with them for effective fire-fighting. We wonder .what he would have said if he had made his report in January or February, when the pressure was much weaker. Mr Morrison has come to Hawera with an open mind, and his report is that of a man whose excellent record and high standing in Fire Brigade matters are recognised throughout the Dominion. His statements regarding the inadequacy of the water supply and the position of the people living in the closely populated areas just outside the borough boundaries should therefore be given proper consideration, and certainly call for early action. The superintendent urges that a machine for increasing the pressure for fire-fighting be procured. Such a machine was seen in demonstration in Hawera some months: ago, but up to the present one has not been procured. We think that the superintendent’s report provides a very good argument for the Greater Hawera and duplication of the main proposals being given effect to. From the point of. view of protection from fire alone, there is good reason for the proposals being carried out, but even fire-fighting is secondary in importance to that of the health of the people, and, as everyone knows, good health and a plentiful supply of clear water are very closely related. We know of no town in New Zealand which experiences such low water pressures in its mains in summer time as Hnwera’ does, and the expert opinions of the Borough Engineer and the Fire Brigade Superintendent in their respective positions leave no room for sound argument against the Greater Hawera and the duplication schemes. Hawera is destined to grow much larger in years to come and, in considering the duplication of the main, adequate provision for the future should be made. The bringing into the borough of the closely settled areas just outside the boundaries is therefore a necessary preliminary to the duplication of the main. The petition to have Nolantown included in the borough has been largely signed, and those who have had the matter in hand feel confident that they will be successful. We should like to see. Ramanui and Turitown also included so that a complete scheme can be undertaken. _M r Morrison’s report to the Fire Board should be regarded ns of great value by the people of the town and its suburban areas, and it is to be hoped that definite steps will now be taken to provide Hawera with a thoroughly up-to-date water supply and modern fire-fighting facilities, adequate to meet the requirements of the town, which enjoys a good reputation in other directions.