!
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-It would be a very desirable thing, but at present I do not think it is intended. It would double the expense. The laying of mains is very expensive. We have a small instalment this year, for which $60,000 is put down in the extraordinary works. I imagine that, after the new mains are laid down all över the city, it would be a very important question for the Government and Legislative Council whether a separate set of fire mains ought to be laid down.
The ACTING COLONIAL TREASURER-I should like to know if the distribution of the water will be the same as at present, the Tyłam water bo- ing simply attached to the Pokfulum distribution, or if there is to be a separate system altogether. The SURVEYOR-GENEBAL—It will be the same system.
The COLONIAL TREASURER-Then it will be of little use to the Fire Brigade.
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL said there would be new mains laid in streets where there were no mains at present.
The COLONIAL TREASURER pointed out that the great difficulty which existed at present was that when a fire took place they did not know whether there were mains or not near the place. The SURVEYOR-GENERAL~~The difficulty at present is that there is only one part of the city supplied with water at one time.
When the Tytam water is on you will have a distribu- tion all over the town at the same time.
The Colony4L-TREASURER-It was said that 19 would be paualbis with the Tylam water te de without or reduce the number of fire engines. I pointed out that that would be impossible.
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-It would be very rash.
Hon J. BELL-IRVING said he thought it was a very important thing that the Govern- ment arrangements should be complete, particu. larly as he might mention that the disbanding of the Volunteer force was nuder consideration.
The CHAIRMAN--From what the Surveyor- General says I understand that there will be s supply of water in every street in the town.
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL--There will be a system of mains laid down to the Praya. Thore will be a great central main down the Queen's Road with branches along all the streets. I do not apprehend that Tytam water will be used for the extinction of fires on the Praya.
The COLONIAL TREASURER-The tide may be so low that we are forced to use it. There are numerous houses above the level of the Tytam supply. What would be the estimate for a separate system of mains from the highest points to Holly- wood Road?
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-I could not say off-hand.
The CHAIRMAN-Perhaps you can give us some idea.
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-I cannot give an estimate. It is vory rash to give estimates off- hand.
Hon. P. RYRIE-Aad on the present system how much more will be required for mains ?
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-Another $66,000 ought to see us through.
The COLONIAL TREASURER-I must say I do not attach much importance to the new Tytam Waterworks as far as the Fire Brigade is con- cerned.
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE-It must be a great advantage if it means a constant charge of the mains. It is of great importance to at- tack a fire when it first breaks out, when a few buckets of water may put it out. It must be great advantage to be able to rely on a supply of water of sufficient pressure instead of finding when you screw on the hose that there is no water or not a sufficient pressure.
The ACTING COLONIAL TREASURER-It will be an undoubted advantage, but not such as to warrant any radical change in the present system. The CHAIRMAN—ÁS BOON as we have the Tytam Water we will be in a position to state what will be required to make the Brigade efficient.
The ACTING COLONIAL TREASURER-There was a project approved by the Legislative Conu- oil some years ago to supply tanks at consider- able distance up the hill. It is more than ever!
necessary in view of the growth of the town.
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE-Wher shall we have the Tytam water supply
The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-On the 2nd No- vomber, I hops. I said November in my original statement. It will be the 2nd or perhaps the 3rd.
The Estimates were approved,
WORKS, BUILDINGS, ROADS, STREETS, AND
BRIDGES.
The Estimates under these headings were pass- ed without discussion.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES,
Ou the item "Commission to Crown Agents $3,000,"
Hon. J. BELL-IRVING asked if there was any chance of the contracts being thrown open to tender in the Colony.
The CHAIRMAN said he was afraid not. It was a matter that had been discussed many times. He thought on the whole that the Colonies were satisfactorily served by the Crown Agents. Hon. P. RYRIE said that there was consider- able discussion on this point when Mr. Jackson was in the Council. Mr. Jackson spoke very strongly on the matter and urged that it should be bronght to the notice of the Secretary of State. Hon. J. BELL-IRVING said he thought local firms here should be given a chance of tender- ing. They could probably supply what was required just as cheap as it could be bought at home, and the commission would be saved and probably discount also.
Hon. B. LAYTON said it would also be a great saving of time.
The ACTING CHIEF Justice asked how the snu put down in the Estimates---$3,000--as Commission was arrived at. What percentage of
ommission did the Crown Agent got P
The CHAIRMAN said that an allowance was given them as apportioned by the Secretary of State.
Hon. J. BELL-IRVING said that the discount went into the pocket of the agents.
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE-They do not appropriate the discount.
Hon. J HELL-TRVING--Do you know that as a fact?
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE said he was quite certain that any discount received was not ap- propriated by the Crown Agents. It was most certainly credited to the Colony. The Crown Agents sout out the vouchers for payment, and it would be malversation of office on their part if they appropriated the discount. They certainly would not be allowed to get any advantages out of the purchases made by them on behalf of the Colonies.
The CHAIRMAN said he thought one reason of sending bome was the fear that the Government. here might be hampered with local interests.
The ACTINO CHIEF JUSTICE Said there might be a combination here to raise prices. There might have been "corner "made in cement when the Surveyor-General was going to begin the Tytam water works.
Hon. J. BELL-IRVING said he thought they would find they would be served just as well locally in every way. If they had a list of the home prices they might compare them with
those of the local firms.
The CHAIRMAN said he could supply a list of the more important items. He was quite sure that if attention was called to it that the Go- vernor would mention the matter in his despatch.
The Estimate was then agreed to.
LOSS IN EXCHANGE ON FAMILF REMITTANCES. The COLONIAL SECRETARY said this item had been touched upon by the Governor in his message when he alluded to his desire that some. thing should be done owing to the increased cost of living, rent, etc., at present in the Colony. Government servants engaged prior to 1877 were on a different footing from those engaged since that date. They were allowed to remit money home at the rate of 48. 2d. for the benefit of any member of their family or in payment of an losurance policy, the anonut so remitted not exceeding half of the salary drawn.
HOD. P. BYRJE said he thought that some- thing should be done with regard to this matter. He thought there should be no distinction made. The CHAIRMAN said when the alteration was mado it was presumed that those who were under
i
207
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.