No water for organs . . . 

At the meeting of the City Council last night, Cr Begg said with reference to the water supply he regretted to say that they were down to a diminishing quantity. A fortnight ago restrictions had been placed on the users of hoses. Since then little or no rain had fallen, and the intakes were dropping all the time. While the hosing restrictions had proved beneficial, the time had arrived when further restrictions would have to be placed on the users of water. All special services would probably be cut off next week — that was water for church organs, hydraulic lifts etc. Unless they had a very substantial rainfall the church people would have to depend on their own voices. Ross Creek reservoir, was two-thirds empty. It now contained 17,000 gallons as against 50,000,000gal. When it dropped to 10,000,000gal the reservoir would be turned off altogether to meet any emergency. The Sullivan dam also showed a great drop. It had been holding its own until a week or a few days ago.

The draw off from Ross Greek had been so great that the pressure was being reduced every day. Sullivans dam now held 22,000,000gal as against 30,000,000gal. The Southern reservoir was estimated to contain 40,000,000gal instead of 70,000,000gal. Cr Begg said they had 79,000,000gal in storage. Total consumption since the hosing restrictions were imposed was 5,000,000 gallons daily. They should remember that the inflow was only 2,500,000 gallons, so that they were losing a large quantity every day, while the weather was getting drier and drier. 

 . . . but flowers cope well

Although people have been grumbling about the hot and dry weather conditions of late, the exhibits at the Dunedin Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, held in the Art Gallery Hall yesterday, proved conclusively that a good gardener can produce magnificent blooms under any conditions. Such a display as that which graced the hall has seldom been seen; the blaze of colouring, the subtle perfume, and the artistic arrangement of the flowers being exceptionally fine. Throughout the day there was a large attendance, while the evening brought crowds and the hall was well filled with lovers of flowers. Late in the evening an auction sale of the flowers, fruit and vegetables was held. The large number present caused spirited bidding, and the blooms found new owners quickly.

Plunket sister farewelled

Sister Nora (secretary of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children), who is leaving shortly on a visit to the Home Country, was met in the Council Chambers yesterday by a large number of friends and presented with a cheque for a substantial sum of money. The presentation was made by the Mayor (Mr H.L. Tapley), who said that though Sister Nora was going on a holiday it was also her intention to inquire into various matters pertaining to social welfare wherever she went. Her services when she returned, therefore, would be all the more valuable. The reason they had met that afternoon was to show their admiration and sincere appreciation of her social work. She had given her life to that work, both privately and publicly. She had displayed a sincere sympathy for those who were labouring under sorrow or distress. It was a splendid thing that we had in our community people such as Sister Nora, who were doing a noble work for humanity. They all trusted. Mr Tapley continued, that Sister Nora would have an enjoyable trip. — ODT, 28.2.1924

Compiled by Peter Dowden