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AT THE FORKS OF THE GRAND works system) would be more than offset by a lowering of both V insurance rates and losses by fire. At a second public meeting, Mr. Roberts re-stated some of his arguments. According to the Brant Review he maintained that: . . . the waterworks would prove a blessing and not a bill of expense . . . that the plan of laying pipes proposed would cover the whole town with the aid of a few hundred feet of hose, and the town would be efficiently protected against fire.... But Mr. John Baker, leader of the opposition, objected by saying that: Paris is a scattered town, and not prepared to go into the expense of a water-works. We have a good steam fire-engine and plenty of good water to drink, except in the North Ward. It is a great expense we are going into. In reply, Mr. H. Finlayson Sr., as reported in the Brant Review, asserted that: . . .the increased tax would be only $1.50 on a house tax of $500.... With a six-inch pipe we could give the town an immense amount of fire protection not to be had in any other way .... He had seen frame houses half burned completely drenched out with water works. Recently in Paris when a fire occurred it swept all surrounding buildings away. For instance, if a hydrant had been on the corner at the recent tannery fire, over $60,000 of property would have been saved. Apparently feeling ran high during this meeting; for the debate lasted until 3 a.m. and, according to the Brant Review: Mr. Baker, speaking against the waterworks, was interrupted by stamping and hissing, and cries of "We didn't come here to listen to your balderwash." As the conflict developed, it became more and more a struggle between Upper Town and Quality Hill. Wells had been dug north of Emily Street, but few had struck water. Wealthy men such as Baird, Whitlaw and the Caprons had to lay pipes from their homes to the springs on the bank above Riverview Park and pump water with hydraulic rams. This supply of water was not great enough to combat a big fire. Naturally these householders favored a water system; and perhaps they favored it too because it would enhance the value of vacant lots north of Banfield Street, some of which they owned. When the issue finally came to vote, 202 voted in favor of the by-law and only 75 against. In October, Mr. Roberts had the honor of turning the first sod on William Street, between Broadway and West River. Soon afterwards, work was begun on the present reser- voir, and on the pumping station near Devil's Cave on the Nith. As often happens in such undertakings, the system was not completed without disappointments and mishaps. The actual cost exceeded the contractor's estimate by $io,ooo. Careless pedestrians, 126 i