THE WATER SUPPLY

Southland Times, Issue 19395, 8 November 1924, Page 6

THE WATER SUPPLY

CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED RETURN TO NORMAL SHORTLY The position in regard to the Invercargill Municipal water supply is now considerably improved. One pump is still out of commission, but will be repaired in the course of a few days, and conditions should then be brought back to normal. POSITION IN BOROUGH. FIRE BOARD RECOMMENDATION. “That the attention of the Invercargill Borough Council be called to the necessity of immediately augmenting the borough water supply,” was a motion moved by Mr W. A. Ott at yesterday morning’s meeting of the Invercargill Fire Board. “I don’t want to enter into any . controversy,” said Mr Ott, “but whether the supply is by gravitation or pumping, with the sewerage extending at the present rate, and no augmentation of the water supply, there is bound to be trouble, and. that at no distant date.” The Chairman: I understand the position has been acute lately owing to one of the electrical pumps going wrong, but it has been remedied, so I am informed. The motion was carried unanimously. WATER FOR FIRES. STAND-BY PLANT. QUESTION OF LIABILITY. The old question of liability for the maintenance of the the. Invercargill Borough Council’s stand-by plant cropped up at yesterday’s meeting of the Invercargill Fire Board when it was indicated that the Borough Council would probably take action in the Supreme Court to have the question determined. The Board's solicitors wrote stating that with reference to the question of the liability for the maintenance of the stand-by plant, they thought it would be more satisfactory from the point of view of both the Fire Board and the Invercargill Borough Council that a decision of the Supreme Court be obtained. If the matter was submitted to the Crown Law Officers, their decision would not be final and would really have no binding effect on the parties. If it should turn out later that their opinion was erroneous, the consequences might be serious if the parties acted thereon. For instance, supposing that a decision was given in favour of the Invercargill Borough Council, and the Fire Board paid the contribution towards the upkeep of the stand-by plant, and that ultimately it was decided by the Supreme Court that they were not liable for the same, the members of the Board would not be protected and might be liable to be called on to refund the amount so paid. 1116 Supreme Court would sit in Invercargill this month, and the matter could be brought on for hearing at once. They had discussed the matter with Mr Longuet, and he was willing, on behalf of the Borough of Invercargill, that the matter should be brought before the Supreme Court for determination. The Chairman: The initiative lies with the Borough Council, and I understand they are going to take action. Mr Chalmer: Personally, I am against the whole thing. It seems to me unnecessary. Let the borough take action if it so desires. The letter was formally received. THE COMING OF ROYALTY. “The Royal Pavilion which had been erected for the Royal Party was beautifully decorated, festooned with great ropes of purple heather and sprigs of fir, while bunches of juniper and rowan berries were artistically arranged among the pillars supporting the roof, and the many flags that fluttered from the building lent a touch of gaiety to the whole scene. The coming of the Royal Party which was awaited with great interest was heralded by the cheering of the crowds who had been waiting in long queues along the mile roadway from Braemar Castle to the Princess Royal Park. The King and Queen, and Prince George, who had accompanied them, transferred from their motor car to an open carriage drawn by four magnificent grey horses. The clansmen lined up on each side of the entrance to the arena, presented arms and were ready to receive the Royal visitors. The first to arrive was the Princess Royal, Duchess of Fife, who had motored from Mar Ixxlge that morning to be present, as she was to be hostess on this occasion. A large assemblage of the Scottish nobility were present in the Royal enclosure. Large numbers of overseas visitors from India, Australia, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand were also given seats of prominence. Some well-known members of the aristocracy were easily recognisable, nearly all were in Highland dress. Some wellknown celebrities were also present, notably Colonel Sir - Walter Scott, of New York, Chief of the Order of the Scottish Clans in Canada. He got quite an ovation as he entered with his party and gracefully acknowledged the compliment. Sir Harry Lauder was a conspicuous figure and was applauded as he entered, and many others were cheered according to the popularity they were held in. The Marquis of Aberdeen, Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Colonel A. H. Farquharson, of Invercauld, and Mr Mclntosh, Commissioner of the Fife Instates, all patrons of the Society, were present. As the Royal equipage approached, the arena responded with repeated rounds of cheering. The Union Jack was pulled down and the Royal Standard hoisted on the flag staff and remained there during the stay of the visitors. Lord Aberdeen Colonel Farquharson with his young daughter, Miss Myrtle, a shy sweet girl, stepped forth to meet the King and Queen. Miss Myrtle courtesied low to her Majesty, who took her hand and led her to the Royal Pavilion. Shortly after the arrival of their Majesties, the second march of the clansmen took place. With light, springing footsteps, they swung along to the accompaniment of thrilling pipe tunes. THE PRIDE OF SCOTLAND.

“As I scanned the faces of those men as they passed, I could see in their eye the light of purpose, determination in their faces with erect head and indepedence in their bearing. One felt assured that our national honour vas safe in the keeping of those men. His Majesty was full of animation, his face was wreathed in smiles. The stately figure of the Queen stood by radiant with happiness. The King took the salute from the Highlanders as they marched by, and as he did so the people went wild with enthusiasm. Their acclamations rent the air. It was some time before the cheering subsided. The King and his son wore the uniform of the Balmoral Highlanders. Queen Mary a dove grey gaberdine costume, richly embroidered, with high collar of chinchilla fur, a small toque of silver and blue tissue which shited her admirably. Princess Royal was quietly dressed in a long grey coat with high collar of squirrel fur, a smart grey felt bat and Duff tartan skirt. The Marchioness of Aberdeen also wore a tartan skirt, a lovely lace jumper and long liberty coat with a black hat trimmed with a purple and grey silk scarf. The gay coloured dresses of the ladies and the picturesque dress of the men added to the gaiety of the scene. Everything combined to making this gathering a record-breaking event in the history of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, and if the opinion of Colonel Sir Walter Seott, New York be taken as a criterion, never before had been witnessed such an inspiring spectacle in so exquisitely lovely surroundings.” .