Water Rationed

Pt. Moresby Gets 4 Gallons Per Day Per Person

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, Nov. 4.

VyATER shortage in Port Moresby is ** serious. No rain has fallen for many months, and the reservoir supplied by a catchment on the hill facing the town has become so depleted that the Public Works Department, for the last month, has issued only a fortnightly ration of 500 gallons per household.

On Nov. 1, the Dept, announced that deliveries from the reservoir would cease, and only four gallons per adult person (two children to count as one adult), and i-gallon each per native servant, would be distributed from tanks stationed at four points in the town.

Supplies at this rate will be continued only until November 15, when, if no rain falls in the meantime, issues will be re duced by half. “Water tickets” have been made available to all residents of the town, free of charge.

Threatening clouds gather daily and sweep over the township, only to break out over the sea. There have been heavy rainfalls in the hills, 10 miles behind Port Moresby—but still we get no, relief.

There is, however, a possibility that within a few days, with the coming of winds, the question will be solved by a torrential downpour. Never since a num ber of years has Port Moresby presented so dry and barren an appearance.

In view of the ever pressing question of water the Administration in July last approached Canberra whether they would again consider the question of a loan for the water scheme which. was proposed and considered some years ago.

Meanwhile, there is keen public inter est in the subject of providing Port Moresby with a water-system. A plan, in volving a loan from the Federal Govern ment, and abandoned in the depression years, has been revived. Canberra has indicated readiness to give a loan, and an engineer is expected from Australia to investigate and advise.

A sum of £27,000 is mentioned. The supply system probably will cost more than that. The extent to which residents will contribute to the cost, by a yearly rate of levy, is under consideration.

Water may be pumped from the Laloki River, at a point 12 miles away; or brought by gravity from Rona Falls, 25 miles away.

It is believed that the naval authorities wish to see an adequate supply of- water made available in this port.