The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1888-12-07
Protection From Ere.

AT the regular meeting of Borough Coun-
ell on Monday night, after ~disposing of
routine business, a discussion was had by
the members concerning the inadequate
facilities afforded at present in case of fire
in our borough, and plans and ways for
better protection were talked over. In
view of the utter worthlessness of the APP
paratus nov in possession Of the borough,
and the expense attendant on the building
of cisterns from which to secure a supply
of water in case of fire, a plan was discuss
ed that would seem to be at once feasible
and worthy of consideration, namely, the
erection of a reservoir, near the residence
of Joseph NJ. Weatherby, about a mile
from our town, which is one of the highest
point in this vicinity. The means of filling
this reservoir, as discussed on Monday
evening, would be from the numerous
springs which are found in that vicinity,
which are said to furnish a never-failing
supply of water, even in time of extreme
drought. The fall and pressure of
this body of water would, it is thought, be
sufficient to force water over any building
in town, to which it could be conducted by
means of a large main, and made available
for fire purposes by the means of plugs in
various parts Of the town. The supply
thus secured could be used as well for
household purposes, as the water is of
splendid quality, While the first cost at
tending this scheme of securing for our
town a much-needed water supply might
seem expensive, VIC believe the plan to be
entirely practicable, and think the cost
would be small as compared with the ex-
pense attended OF such enterprises in towns
not so favorably situated, and the coDve
nience and protection afforded in case of a
conflagration cannot be estimated. Only
two weeks ago, in Pocomoke City, Mary
land. a town about the size of Woodstown,
a fire broke out and before the flames could
be checked the entire business entire of
the town was destroyed, entailing a loss
OF at least $3.50, 900. 1t is not necessary to
urge upon our citizens the necessity for
immediate action, Tor all should appreciate
the fact. We trust that our residents will
not let this matter drop until some definite
plan of action has been agreed upon and
put in shape.
While on this subject, we give space to
the following, which appeared in our issue
of August Sd, 1888: One of our residents
was in conversation, on Wednesday, with
Blair Smith, a prominent citizen of Wen
onah and a heavy stakeholder in the water
works at that place, and the conversation
turning to the cost and profit of the water
works there, the following facts were elicit
ed: Wenonah, with a resident population
of about 500, secured a system of water
works. erected by r. D. Wood & Co.,
of Millville, at a cost of $12, 600. The
yearly expenses of running the same
amount to between $500 and s400, while
the yearly income for water rents is about
$500. The stock of the company pays a
dividend of about eight per cent, and the
town has the advantage of a fine system of
water works, adequate alike for household
and fire purposes. Mr.. Smith further stat
ed that he would be willing to subscribe to
oue-tenth of the amount of stock necessary
to establish such a system at this place.
Here is a chance that u authorities and
wealthy residents should take advantage of.