THE LAMBTON QUAY FIRE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 6042, 29 October 1906, Page 5

THE LAMBTON QUAY FIRE.

(To the Editor “New’Zealand Times.”) Sir— Kindly allow me to make a suggestion. ‘The ruin of San Francisco was the want o£ water, which was yet within reach. As water mains are liable at any time to burst, asm the case of our late fire; why does not the Corporation utilise our sea frontage seeing that the-whole of the business premises are being built within easy distance 'of the water? Let 24-inch pipes be run in .from-about ■■ low uatei mark to the centre of T»ambton quay, with traps so that suction hose could bo let down. The pipes would always be practically full ot sea water and always available. The mouths of the pines could be screened so as to keep anw rubbish from entering. These pipes could bo run in at intervals of one. two, or three hundred yards all along tho water frontages, Te Aro as well, to certain distances according to the good judgment of the City- Engineer. and I think wc should have the bull by tho horns as far as a. supply of water is concerned. Another thing is the case of windows in Messrs Young and Tripe’s premises immediately over -a’ lower structure.' 1 being left without an iron shutter —as stated in the Press. Insurance inspectors and also Firo Brigade inspectors ought to see that all such are capable of being closed, either automatically-or otherwise, in cases of emergency.—l am, etc., HENRY WALTON. Waikanac, October 23rd.