THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION. A Matter of Vital Importance.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 95, 26 April 1902, Page 8

THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION. A Matter of Vital Importance.

NO community can be safe which tails to provide itself with a pure and abundant water supply. It is one ot the primary necessities ot life. Wellington is growing rapidly in population, and, at the present moment, the experts state and latge numbers of people complain that the a\ailable supplies are not adequate to meet the demands. After careful investigation by the City Engineer and reports both from him and two independent engineers, the City Council proposes to borrow £230,000 for the purpose of improving and augmenting the present supply. There has been long and close incubation over the matter and this is the hatched result. * # » The scheme was, agreeably to statute, submitted to a meeting of the electors last week. They showed their interest in the question by attending in their strength to the imposing number of a hundred all told m a population of close on 50,000. And, on a vote being taken, they declined to appro\e of the scheme prepared after so much trouble and m\estigation. It remains now for the ratepayers to say at the poll whether they are content to jDut up for some years longer with a service inadequate both tor domestic requirements on the higher levels, and also for making effective the system of drainage. If they are, then it is to be presumed they cheerfully accept all the risks of disease and personal discomfort which are attendant upon a shortage in water. * * ♦ There seem to be two classes ot opponents to the proposed scheme. One class oppose it m tutu, partly because they say the present supply will suffice if waste is stopped. Increase of rates cannot be allowed to weigh in the scale if human life is at stake. As for the argument of saving all waste in order to make things do for the present, it savours of penuneubness, it ignores the rapid development of Wellington, it shuts both eyes to the future, and preaches the doctrine — " Take no thought of the morrow." The remaining class ot objectors show far more common sense. They ask for fuller information upon the details of the scheme. * * • It is a reasonable demand. At the same time sufficient data is before the public to establish the necessity for improving and extending the present supply from Wainui-o-mata. The Mayor pointed out that there is no assurance of the stability of the present reservoir. If it were to collapse Wellington would be in a pretty pickle with only Karori to rely on. The condition of the present main is also a matter for anxiety. On the whole, there is grave necessity for strengthening and supplementing our water

supply. The health ot the city is bound up with it. Ten or twelve years ago Wellington was scourged e\ery season by an epidemic ot typhoid which gave it a \ery undesirable reputation. The people had the courage to boriow and tax themselves to carry out an up-to-date system of drainage, and by doing so they banished typhoid. * » * To-day, this is the best-drained and healthiest city in New Zealand. But without an ample and pure water supply that boast will not long endure. The water must be provided, cost what it may, and, in doing so, we must look ahead, and make generous prousion. In answer to a question at the meeting the Mayor is reported to have said the scheme did not provide for the requirements of a greater Wellington. If not, it certainly should do so. In a matter, too, involving the borrowing of £280.000 the citj fathers must take the electors fully into their confidence. Copies of the engineers' reports should be printed and circulated broadcast, so that no one may plead ignorance. It is a question that affects everyone, and ought not to be paltered or trifled with