CITY EIRE PLANT

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 17018, 15 December 1920, Page 6

CITY EIRE PLANT

ADDITIONS WANTED. A strong plea for additions to the plant of the Chiistchureh Firo Brigade was made by the Superintendent to the Board last night. Tho Superintendent stated that on returning from Dunedin recently, the deputy-superintendent reported that au accident had occurred to the No. 3 motor-pump which had caused serious damage to tho gear-box. That accident only emphasised the fact that another motor was urgently needed. At present there wore three machines stationed at headquarters, and on receipt of "call" two were dispatched to the. scene of tho outbreak, the other standing by for a second calk or as might bo required according to instructions. It might happen also that the third mochino was wanted for a city call, in which case there was no protection whatever for a second call, whilst tho brigade were away. Furthermore, no allowanco was made for accident to the plant whereby tho brigado (as in the present case) had only two motors in commission to turn out with, unless tho plant was called in from tho outer stations, which was not always desirable. That, as the Board would realise, was working on very dangerous ground, and he would again ask that tho mattei of purchasing additional plant bo given urgent consideration, such to consist oi one 300-100 gallon Dennis turbine pump with First Aid equipment, and 35ft Ajax telescopic ladder, one 90ft petrol electric turntable- fire escape, and a runabout motor, to relievo tho wear and tear on tho more heavy and costlier appliances. He recognised that no [moneys were available on the present year's estimates, neither was it desirable for such a large amount to bo paid out of any 0110 year's estimate. Ho would therefore suggest that tho Board negotiate for a loan of £0000 to be expended as follows:— £ 11. New fire station, Sydenham (initial outlay) ... 4150 2. 300-400 gallon ''Dennis" motor pump ... ••• ••• .1500 3. Runabout motor ... ... 350 4. Petrol electric telescopic ladder ... ... ... SO(K> £9000 That sum, together with previous loans, would bring tho Board's liability up to £20,000, tho maximum allowed under the- Act, but for tho continued efficiency of the brigado, and tho general safety of the city, ho trusted the Board would view the matter favou?: ablv as. an. essential undertaking. In the case of tho new sub-station at Sydenham, ho would suggest that th* building be so erected whereby extent sions could be carried out at any when the Board were in a more Favourable position to do so, but for the timß> being additional married quarters were tho most needed. Ho regretted to say' that during tho past few years, whilst the growth of the city had gone ahead, and numerous large buildings, .warehouses, etc., had been erected, the Board had not materially increased the brigado staff and equipment, consequently the Board were now faced witß a greater expenditure than would have been tho case had the plant been purchased over stated periods as mentioned in his reports from time to titno. Ho trusted that some fixed policy would soon be decided upon to secure adequate protection of both life and property from tire, commensurate with the requirements of tho city and its population. Tho report was held over for consideration at the special meeting of the Board.