FIRE PROTECTION AT HORNBY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25391, 14 January 1948, Page 8

FIRE PROTECTION AT HORNBY

COUNTY COUNCIL TO BE ASKED FOR PUMP

VOLUNTARY BRIGADE PLANNED

Residents of the Hornby district who met last evening to discuss fire fighting problems agreed to ask the Paparua County Council to supply a pump and other fire-fighting equipment and to make some provision *or an adequate water supply in the area. The district was dry and stony, it was stated, and the best way of maintaining a reliable supply of water was to have pits provided in convenient water-races about the district. The meeting decided to form a voluntary fire brigade. A representative of the Air Force fire-fighting unit at Wigram said instruction could be given volunteers during week-ends or other spare time. “The question of manning the gear, if we had it, is not a probleiri,” said the chairman (Mr P. A. Hickling). In response to his inquiry who in the audience would be prepared to join a voluntary fire brigade, many residents raised their hands. “In the event of another serious fire occurring while the council is being apnroached we will have to turn out with sacks and any means we have to fight it,” said Mr Hickling. Water Supplies It was decided that a list of water supplies in the district should be supplied to every fire-fighting organisation in the area. “Less damage would have been done at the recent fire in Hornby if the Christchurch Fire Brigade had known where to obtain water,” said a resident. “I understand that the brigade could have drawn water from Smart’s pit.” Railway engines were the chief cause of fires in the area, said a resident, and spark arresters should be placed on all engines travelling on the line. Two or three years ago an express started eight fires between Christchurch and Ashburton. If there was a strong enough request from all these districts* the Railways Department would have to have spark arresters fitted. “Engines already have spark arresters: what is wanted is an imorovement to them.” said another speaker. Messrs Hickling (president of the Hornby Residents’ and A. C. Loach (secrete’y) were appointed a delegation to wait on the next meeting of the Paparua County Council. “There is . one important matter that has not been discussed.” said Mr W. R. Early just before the end of the meeting. “Hornby is inviting fire with its areas of waste land, gorse, and broom, with old bottles and rubbish lying about. The chairman: What can you do to make a man clear up a property that has got into'that condition?