FIRE BRIGADE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 139, 18 July 1914, Page 10

FIRE BRIGADE.

MEETING OF THE BOARD.

SALE OF THE OLD STATION.

The Christchurch Fire Board met last evening, Mr A. L. Parsons presiding. There were also present: —Messrs J. Grierson, W. 8.. McKenzie, H. R. Busbridge, A. Williams, and Cooper. The report of the board in committee recommended that the sale of the old. Lichfield Street Station to J. J. Niven and Co., Ltd. (terms of sale as arranged) be agreed to, and that the matter bt left in the hands of the chairman.

Mr Grierson: What is the price of the property? The chairman: £5500. I will explain various matters if you will give me a chance, Mr Grierson. Mr Grierson: I am entitled to know.

The chairman: I am going to make some remarks concerning various items. A member: What is the interest, sirt

The chairman: Five per cent. We do not want this to go into the Press, added the chairman. Do you, Mr Grierson?

Mr Grierson: That is all right. The chairman: The price is £5500, as ycu all know. Mr Grierson: Ido not know.

The chairman: Mr Grierson, you consulted with me before sale was effected.

Mr Grierson: But it is not in the report. This report is not a full record of the business done in committee, .and I strongly object. Why should we not be given full information? I want to know the terms upon which this balance has been arranged. The chairman: For five years 5 per cent. Mr Grierson: Then why is it not in the report? The chairman: I cannot that; . Mr Grierson: I think you, as chairman, should see to it. The chairman: I had the report only when you had it. : 1 1

Mr Grierson: You should tee it is arranged that full information is given to members of the board.

Mr Busbridge rose to a point of order. The chairman had promised to give full information if an opportunity, lie was not being given ar. opportunity. A member: "We do not put in all do l tnils in these committee reports. 3£r' Grierson: Then what is the good of them? The incident here closed and the recommendation was agreed to.

It was decided that a Gamewell recorder be purchased and tha.t the necessary boxes to replace the old ones on circuits H. I. J. and L. should be procured.

It was reported that the ballot for two companies to take the board's insurance on buildings, plant, etc., as from July 31, resulted in theSun 1 and Northern offices being eaehgivenhalf of the risk.

The chairman, superintendent, and secretary were deputed to value the buildings, plant, etc, for insurance purposes. '

The statement for the twelve months - ended June 30/ showed a debit balancfe of £77 3/-. - - It was decided that tenders be'caUecl for uniforms ahd boots, and close on July 24. " Accounts amounting to £4BB 13/7 were passed fo# payment. . At 2 pirn. is toe hold a demonstration in the Gymnasium by members of the brigade, and an invitation was extended to members of the board to be present. - ; The resignation of auxiliary fireman Ftanklin was accepted. ' Mr Cooper regretted the resignation and urged' that every effort shoultf "6s. used to induce men''to join the auxiliary staff. ' ' : 1

The matter of the fire engines passing through the main thoroughfares ait busy hours was mentioned by Mr Cooper. On two occasions, he said, serious accidents had almost occurred. It Was a grave mistake to allow one or two engines to go at full speed through Che centre of the city. Unless a fire was in the centre of the city the engines should proceed by way of Manchester Street. The superintendent, he ruight think over this-matter.

The < chairman: I do not> think the brigade go through the city if they f-nn help it. ,

The Superintendent: The brigade go by the shortest route.