FIRE HAZARDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 138, 23 March 1948, Page 2

FIRE HAZARDS

Powers of By-laws

DISCUSSION BY BOROUGH COUNCIL * A letter from the Ashburton Branch of the NeAV Zealand Labour Party, asking if the council considered that the by-laws adequately covered matters concerning the prevention of fire hazards, Avas received at the meeting of the Ashbmlon Borough Council last night.

The letter also pointed out definite eases of what the branch considered Avere fire ricks, and asked that the portion of the by-laws dealing with the prevention of fire he forwarded to them.

The Mayor (Mr E. C. Bathurst) stated that the council was definitely aware of fire hazards that existed in Ashburton. A new inspector Avas to be appointed, and he Avould make an inspection of the buildings. He suggested that the branch be advised that a copy of the by-laAvs could be purchased for 2s.

Cr. K. Anderson suggested that something more than this he done. The public Avere not conversant with the by-laws, and he felt that the fire prevention regulations as defined by the by-iaAvs should be advertised. The Borough Engineer (Mr G. A. MacFarlane) said that there Avere buildings in Ashburton Avith obvious fire hazards. He inspected all plans for new buildings and insisted on certain fire precautions. He advised persons concerning the position of their houses in the sections. He frequently pointed out hazards and made suggestions Avhile in various premises on business, and had met Avith good co-opera-tion. He Avas prepared to work after hours inspecting buildings, if OAvners or occupiers thought that they Avere not safe. If he, ’or the fire brigade superintendent, pointed out dangers in a building, the council, if it so desired, could compel the occupier or OAvner to make alterations. It was decided to advise the Ashburton branch of the Labour Party that the council Avas aAvare of fire hazards, and took the necessary steps to notify occupiers in necessary ,cases. Copies of the by-laws Avere on sale at 2s each.

Tuarangi Home The North Canterbury Hospital Board asked the council if they could extend the borough water supply dOAvn to the Tuarangi Home. The board understood that a main Avas being put in at the top of Tuarangi Street, and requested that a suitable service, be taken from this to give adequate external fire coverage. Mr MacFarlane reported that a fourinch ring from the existing main in Bridge-Street would cost approximately £I6OO. The system Avas not to be recommended, because the water supply available Avould serve only on hydrant, and a boosting pump Avould be required to give pressure. It Avas decided to reply to the hospital board, forwarding the engineer’s report. . Purchase of Fire Hose Lane, Walker, Rudkin advised that the company Avas procuring 1000 feet of canvas fire hose with tAvo branches and hydrants Avith Avhich to equip a works brigade pending the installation of an aiitomatic sprinkler system for fire protection. A verbal agreement had been made with Mr H. Hefford, former superintendent of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade, that they Avould take over the equipment at valuation when the sprinkler system Avas completely installed. The company would like confirmation of that agreement.

The council decided to inform the company that they Avould be prepared to consider taking over the equipment Avhen it was finished with, at the valuation then placed on it.