The Seattle Post Intelligencer

Water
Declared to Be More of a Nuisance
Than a Public Benefit.

The weekly meeting of the board of public works lasted yesterday from 10 o'clock in the morning to nearly 6 in the afternoon, much of the time being spent in discussing bids for wood and other supplies, and in the bids for feeding city prisoners. These matters were eventually laid aside until Thursday, when the board will hold a special meeting to decide upon them.

Upon the application of one of the street sprinklers for an additional stand pipe a conversation grew up as to the present system. As a result the application was rejected, and it being held by the board that the sprinkling as done at present was more of a nuisance than a benefit, it was decided to cut off the sprinklers' supply of water pending action on the part of the city council.

Both the city engineer and the superintendent of streets were of opinion that the sprinkling cost the city more in water than would pay for sweeping, and one reason for this was that the sprinklers were antediluvian, were made for plank pavements, and gave a deluge instead of a sprinkle. The tenants pay for the sprinklers and the city is supposed to furnish the water free, but there is no ordinance to that effect.

To sweep with the machine First and Second avenues and Pike streets costs $6. It is believed that the water from the sprinklers costs more than that sum, so the sprinklers will have their water cut off.

Health Officer Palmer reported a case of smallpox yesterday morning, and had the patient sent to the pest house. There was no one in charge there so the board pronounced the office of keeper, supposed to be held by Emil Heinig, vacant, and appointed Capt. John Farnham and his wife temporarily to the position at a salary of $50 per month. They also, under the emergency clause, ordered the necessary supplies for the patient.

In regard to the petition for the improvement of Rainier street, it was determined to ask the city council to sink a shaft and make a driveway in both directions, in order to determine what is necessary to make a good permanent improvement, the city engineer to prepare an estimate of this work.

The petition of O. W. Lynch and others for the grading of Terry avenue, was referred back to the council with a recommendation that it be granted.

The superintendent of streets reported that the repairs to Magnolia bluff bridge would be done as soon as the weather permitted.

Stirrat & Goetr's work in the replanking of First avenue was accepted, subject to the contract terms as to maintenance and repair.