TWO LESSONS.

Patea Mail, Volume XXIX, 24 February 1908, Page 2

TWO LESSONS.

The water famine in Patea was becoming very serious last week. Tanks had long since become empty, and many wells which were relied on were getting very low, in some instances had given out. Not only was it a question of supply for domestic purpos; s, but more serious was the necessity of water to flush the drains. The rain on Saturday night brought temporary relief. During the past six months Patea has had two warnings that steps should be taken to secure an efficient water supply. The first was fire, and it is very unpleasant to reflect on what would have ensued had a fire broken out during the fast two or throe weeks. The second lesson is the shortage of water caused by the dry spell and the inconvenience residents have been put to, A third lesson, which *so far we have been lucky enough to escape, would be the outbreak of an epidemic. During the past few weeks water has been procured from many sources, and some of them investigation has shewn to be not particularly pleasant. Drains without water are a menace to public health and the stenqjies that arose from •some of the sumps showed the necessity of flushing. The public are looking to the Council as their representatives to take some action ■in the matter and are awaiting with eagerness the report of the committee set up to consider the best way of improving the existing water supply.