WOOLSTON AND THE CITY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17315, 29 November 1921, Page 2

WOOLSTON AND THE CITY.

FIRE BRIGADE ASSETS F REMOVAL OBJECTED TO. Tho disposition of the recreational assets held by the Woolston Fire Board came up for discussion at the meeting of the Citv Council last night. The Woolston Fire Board, acting on legal advice, had declared that the property in question, piano, billiard table, etc., belonged to those persons who at the time of the dissolution of the Board were members of the Brigade, and permission was granted for the removal of tho articles from the Woolston Fire Brigade station. The Finance Committee reported to the Citv Council that the Christ church Fire Board's solicitor advised tnat. in hia opinion, on the union of_ Woolston with the Citv, all the Uooiston Jure Board's property and liabilities became the property and liability ot the Chmtchuivli Citv Council as tlie contributing local authority. It had been ascertained that tho piano and tho ouliata table and accessories were removed from the Woolston Fire Station on the 14th instant, and the committee asked for instructions in the matter. Cr v E. It. McCombs said she understood the matter was being referred to the Crown Law officers. Cr. J. A. Fiesher said the property became citv property on amalgamation, and the Woolston Fire Board had no power to hand it over to anybody. Ihe Woolston Board had asked for a conference with the Finance Committee, and, in the meantime, had removed, the property. That action was in keeping with one or two other things that had happened down at Woolston. , Cr. McGregor Wrifcht said tho Borough Council had put no property m the Brigade premises. The property referred to was purchased by publicsubscription. Cr. L. Hart said the property did not belong to the Board, but to the Brigade, who purchased it from a donation of £IOO made by Mr Walter Hill, after the fire at his works. The Brigade had a perfect right to tho property. Cr. McGregor Wright said the property had not been disposed of. Cr. Fiesher: Why was it removed? Cr. A. Williams said a Woolston resident had informed him he had subscribed to the fund to purchase the recreation property on the condition that such remained with the Brigade. On amalgamation the property reverted to the City Council, and negotiations would have to take place for the purchase of the Woolston Brigade property. Cr. J. K. Archer said the Woolston Fire Brigade were making a mistake in taking up the attitude they had. It was clear the property did not belong to any individuals. The matter should go back to the committee for discussion with the Woolston Board in a friendly way. Cr. Hart said, he did not know the property had' been removed. Cr. J. A. Fleslier said the committee were advised to that effect by the chairman of the Woolston Board.

Cr. Hart said the Woolston Board did not come under the jurisdiction of the city until special legislation was procured. Cr.. Fiesher said. the Finance Committee had arranged to meet the Woolston Fire Board.

The Counoil accordingly" decided to hold tlie matter over until the next meeting.