34 in use. The innumerable connection mains pipes 022 the way, by absorbing so much of the passing water, would destroy the pressure that should be guaranteed to the hydrants to enable them to throw water over the tops of the highest houses without the aid of a fire engine. There is also danger that would arise from this amalgamation, namely the depletion of the fire tanks if placed at the disposal of the general domestic service. The sources of supply to these tanks being (with one exception) sufficient only for fire extinction purposes. The feeders are very small and would require several days to refill on the occasion of their being emptied by a fire. The tanks cannot therefore be looked to as sources of supply for the general service, though they may suffice to slowly replenish the tanks after every fire.
The only exception is the feeder to the proposed Albany tank, and this is an overflow from the Albany Nullah, which is one of the sources of the Military Water supply. From this overflow, the Albany fire tank can always be kept full. The Military Authorities, being as much interested as the Civil Authorities in taking every precaution against the spread of fire, will never raise any objection to the tank being kept full of stored water from the Military supply.