FIRE FIGHTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 10

FIRE FIGHTING.

MOUNT ROSKILL'S NEEDS.

REPORT BY SUPERINTENDENT

"DANGEROUS STATE OF AFFAIRS."

Mr. L. A. Tozer presented to the Mount Ro>kill Road Board last night a report prepared by the superintendent of the Mount Roskil! Fire Brigade on the question of water force for lirefighting purpose-. From a lire lighting point of view in relation to the protection of life and property, the position revealed a serious state of alTr.irs. The whole of the district is reticulated with four-inch water mains, with the exception of Jellicoe, Camhrai. Mons. Foch and Pah Avnnes, which are served with three-inch mains. The latter mains are useless for lire-fighting purposes. The volume of water was inadequate for one lire hose, and therefore two hoses could not be brought into operation .simultaneously.

As there mains were In id in a populous area, the superintendent suggested that at the earliest opportunity they be taken up and pipes of a four-inoh diameter be laid down. He recommended that useless dead ends be done away with bv the laying of a four-inch main along the western boundary of the Victory and Dqminion Park estates. The few tests taken in the rural areas showed that the southern extremity of the Winstone estate, Richardson Road and Waikowhai areas and the whole of the Ilillsboro , district was in a dangerous condition. Should a tire occur in this latter area there was only the remotest chance of the property being saved. A test had been taken on the Mount Eden main at the corner of Dominion Road and Boundary Road, which showed 400 gallons to the minute, or 100 gallons more than the three highest pressures in Mount Roskill. He suggested that Mount Roskill connect at this point with the Mount Eden Council's mains.

The superintendent asked the board to give these recommendations due consideration. The position was one that must he taken in hand and riot shelved for future consideration.

The report was considered by the board at the conclusion of the ordinary business.