Water Position Becomes Serious

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 6, 8 January 1944, Page 2

Water Position Becomes Serious

From being a problem that with care could bo met without serious effects, following the breakdown of the booster pump on the waterline between the intake and reservoirs, the position of Woodville water supply has become very acute.

| The pump packed up on Thursday afternoon and the Mayor .lost no time in inspecting and calling a special meeting of councillors. The position was thoroughly discussed and a decision made to spare no effort to take effective countermeasures. Mr. Forbes who had been prepared for such an eventuality, dia patehed the pump to a firm of engineers where it was found it would take a considerable time to put it into proper running order again. The alternative solution was a booster pump used by the military authorities when the camp was here and within a few hours that was on its way from Dannevirke and a start was made assembling it yesterday. It is hoped to have a normal supply running again in a few days. It was found necessary to cut off all large consumers as well as those outside tho borough who will only be able to get water for a short period daily. Tho military pump has a Diesel engine and besides tho cost of installation, it will entail tho keeping of a man to service it. Perhaps the county consumers will appreciate that this expense is being incurred to see that they still get supplied. (Without them tho borough could manage without the use of a pump). Would it be expecting too much to suggest they give a little financial assistance f WATER AND ALL THAT. (To the Editor.) Sir, —This water business is certainly making ua sit up and take notice. As to the City Fathers’ an- their problem of the eight inch (or otherwise) pipes and the possibility of secondary indus tries commencing in Woodville, is it not more likely that manufacturers would commence business in a place that has the water all ready rather than in one that is still talking about it t Woodville is in such a grand position as regards railways and roads that if water in abundance were available xrely some industry would start here. What would be the difference in cost of the schemes? That is for the near future. For the immediate present here are a few hints. Put the plug in the sink and save every drop of water. Don i/ let that lukewarm first water escape if you are after a drink of really cold water and the first runs warmish. That will do to wash your hands next time. (It its waiting there in the sink). Periodically dip the water from the sink ana save it in a bucket or tin ana in the evening that will do to water precious plants, but do make a job of it, if you only water one or two plants a night. Give them sufficient to go down to the roots, not a little bit on a lot of plants. That only brings the poor thirsty roots to the surface where they get all scorched up next day. About an hour aftei watering go along and stir up the surface soil and also throw some dry soil over the damp soil. That makes an asbestos mat between the sun’s rays and your plant’B roots. Plants watered this way will go for 10 days or so and flourish. Also empty the teapot leaves around your plants; they make quite a good mulch material. Again to conserve water have only one wash-up of dishes a day (if your china will allow). It makes a big wash-up but it saves a certain amount of water and in a crisis every little helps. Much more weather like we’ve had and the farmers will have to consider growing more lucerne. E. PHILIPS, Woodv'