WATER SUPPLY INADEQUATE

Southland Times, Issue 23380, 11 December 1937, Page 9

WATER SUPPLY INADEQUATE

COMPLAINT FROM PEMBROKE BUILDINGS ENDANGERED BY FIRE A fire which broke out in a neighbouring section to the Pembroke school last month and which, but for the efforts of the residents, would have endangered the school, emphasized the inadequacy of the school water supply, according to a letter received from the head master (Mr T. A. Tait) by the Southland Education Board at its monthly meeting yesterday. The letter from the head master “I have to report that on Saturday, November 27, a fire began in a neighbouring section to the north of the residence. The grass, at the moment, is like tinder. I consider that only the united efforts of the citizens who hurried on the scene, saved the residence and the neighbouring house from being destroyed. The ram installed to reinstate the water supply is a failure, for it will only keep going for an hour or so at a time. The position at present is that the school and residence are entirely dependent for then- supply on the old system which has been linked up again and which has come back to a small extent. The situation is as follows: —

1. One kerosene tin of water from any one tap will drain the pipes for at least a quarter of an hour •• before any further water is available. 2. School latrine cannot be kept going. 3. Four flush-down lavatories only work intermittently. 4. No hosing of lawn or gardens is possible: the lawn is dying. 5. Hot-water system replenishes itself irregularly. 6. The water is inclined to be full of sediment and does not appear suitable for the children to drink. It is their only drinking supply. I made representations to the committee some weeks ago but this fire has made me decide to foi-ward the facts direct to you.” The architect (Mr J. Gough) stated that his staff had the matter in hand. It was decided that the question be left to the architect with power to act