WATER ISSUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 10

WATER ISSUE

EX-FIRE BRIGADE CAPTAIN’S VIEWS FROM ACTUAL EXPERIENCE » In a prepared statement on the water question mainly from a practical fire fighter's point of view, Mr Albert Dee, ex-cpatain of the Nelson Fire Brigade says:— “I have followed most of the correspondence on the water improvement topic and finding there are a number of ratepayers who do not appear decided on the matter. I think the time has arrived for ‘one in the know’ to speak out. “My long association with fire brigade matters has given me the opportunity to know a ‘thing or two’ about this water business, and I think it is up to some of us to now point out to the ratepayers he golden opporunity we have—and must not let slip—of putting the several serious matters right once and for all. HEALTH ASPECT “In regard to health many of your correspondents advocate an extension of the pumping system. Let me tell them what happened to many of us in close proximity to the Normanby Bridge pump. When this source was first used we noticed it was necessary to add large quantities of some special soap powder to obtain a lather in the washup water and in our baths a lather could not be made; the soap would not mix with the water —it was described as 'hard water.’ Before very long the Health Department, whose officials were continually sending samples of the water from the pump to Wellington for analysis found it polluted. Council officials set to work and discovered that many of the house drainage systems had been damaged evidently, by the earthquakes. At my home five breaks were found —one even where the pipe was laid in concrete. It cost many of us in this vicinity a considerable amount to have repairs made. Now of course this pump is out of commission. My point is; What is to prevent this happening to pumps higher up the Maitai? Only shutting up the valley from the public. Surely nobody would wish this! Ask anybody over this part of the city how they liked the chlorinated water? No thank you! Let’s hope never again! I pity the city councillor who advocates this again. Then let us give up the idea of pumps and obtain water from a source that cannot be polluted.

DESTRUCTION OF BOYS’ COLLEGE BUILDING

"As to fire prevention—most of your readers know I have been interested in that for over 40 years and whilst an officer of the Volunteer brigade, helped to fight many fires with an inadequate pressure. What happened one midday? The wooden building of the Boys’ College burnt to the ground, yet some of the fire brigade were on the scene in less than five minutes—even standing in the adjoining room to the outbreak with the hose—but no water at all. That’s only one instance; I could quote many—but there is no need, for we all admit we must have pressure. Then for goodness sake ratepayers, don’t let the opportunity go by. There appears no way of obtaining this necessary pressure, except voting for the loan. INSURANCE RATES “Now, this brings me to a very particular point. My official position in the fire brigade brought me into contact with visiting inspectors whose duty no | doubt was to report to other bodies such things as water pressure, fire risks, brigade efficiency and appliances. It was during my official term that Nelson City was rated by the Underwriters’ Association as an A.I. City—to enjoy the lowest fire insurance rate possible. But this error was found to be found out sooner or later and it was so soon after the formation of the Fire Board, on which I was / Govern•ment nominee and therefore brought into closer contact with the two Fire Underwriters’ representatives. They took the very first opportunity to point out to the Board the anomaly Nelson was sitting under. The Board had the then Mayor, Mr Moffatt, as chairman and the underwriters’ representatives accepted his assurance that the Council had a first class water pressure scheme well on way; so put off their evident intention to have the fire insurance rate raised to its correct table, on the understanding that a poll was to be taken very soon. “Ratepayers I’m sure will take it from me that if this poll is not carried the insurance rate must go up. Think what is best for you a wateiw scheme which will help to give you good health and all the water you need, or reject the poll and pay more for fire insurance for no increased benefit, besides risking your health and comfort by putting up with a water supply that will be always giving you trouble.”