Fire Station Site

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28690, 13 September 1958, Page 3

Fire Station Site

Sir, —I am astounded that the City Council could have so little regard for Christian worship that it contemplates allowing a fire station to he built beside a church which has been in existence for approximately 90 years. Surely this church has some rights. As a Christian worshipper and one interested in the unity of the Christian church, I think it most fitting to appeal to the National Council of Churches to come to the aid both spiritually and practically to one of their sister churches. I feel that this plea will not fall on deaf ears.—Yours, PILGRIM. September 11, 1958.

Sir, —I read with amazement your article on the proposed fire station site. Whilst I am concerned at the blow aimed at the Baptist church, I am more concerned with the despoiling of this beautiful part of the Avon river. What about the Beautifying Association's planned driveway round the river? The traffic and activity round a central fire station, whatever assurances the Fire Board may give us, must disrupt the city’s river bank. Because the Government had on its hands a property it could not sell seems hardly a sound reason for choosing this spot. A hundred yards east from the proposed spot there are sites where a fire brigade would in no way upset either the church or the serene beauty of the river banjc.—Yours, etc.. TRANQUIL TREVOR. September 11, 1958.

Sir, —The reason for shifting from the present fire station site and for occupation of the river frontage are being questioned. Why do city authorities appear indifferent to the risks and nuisance? Are councils not elected to respect and safeguard the peace and health of citizens? This instance of noise and traffic disturbance is not a single example of establishment in,'the vicinity of a church. There are several in and close to Christchurch. The necessity for sanctuary for worship appears flagrantly flouted and quiet for prayer ignored.— Yours, etc., REALITIES. September 11, 1958.

Sir, —Our Town Planning Authority, our City Council, our Government representative, the Minister of Housing, all cry “Too late, too late.” One would have expected a little more intelligence from these people, and ftom the first three at least some consideration for the preservation of the city’s greatest natural asset. Why is it too late? Because the Government has sold an unwanted property nobody can do anything. One would have expected the Baptists to have received more consideration from the Minister of Housing than a letter suggesting that perhaps the Fire Board would use a btell instead of a siren. Is this supposed to satisfy members of the Baptist congregation and the beauty lovers of Christchurch? I" trust you will not let the matter rest in the hands of what appear to be indifferent bodies.—Yours, etc., CIVIC PRIDE. September 11, 1958.