FIRE STATION TO BE SOLD NEXT YEAR

Press, Volume C, Issue 29539, 14 June 1961, Page 17

FIRE STATION TO BE SOLD NEXT YEAR

The Christchurch central fire station in Lichfield street, land and a block of firemen’s flats in Tuam street will be offered for sale by the Christchurch Fire Board next year when It moves to the new central headquarters station in Kilmore street. After a debate on the merits of a public auction and of calling tenders, a decision on the method of sale was deferred by the board last evening until the next meeting. The New Zealand Fire Service Council had no objection to either method, said the chairman (Mr W. R. Campbell). Mr J. R. Smith moved that the sale be by public auction at a date to be fixed at the August meeting. Mr Campbell seconded this. “I have strong views on the way in which we should dispose of public property," Mr A. S. Hollander said. "An auction has certain disadvantages. If you don’t reach the reserve at auction you have indicated to everyone the figure you are going to try to hawk the property around at. If you call for tenders and they do not reach the reserve, then knowledge of the price is confidential to the board. Commission “There is also the question of the money that would be paid out in commission." he continued. "I have no objection to an auctioneer obtaining his commission, but we have an obligation to ensure that we do not do anything that would harm the public. Our Fire Board rates are up this year, and if we can alleviate the financial position in any way we should do it.” The excitement of an auction would be absent, Mr Hbllander said, as the bidders would be “cool and calculated” business firms who would go along with a maximum determined figure. Mr Hollander had given such a reasoned statement ‘that he must support it, said IMr E G. McGrath. “Biggest Sales” : “Some of the biggest sales lever to have taken place in ‘New Zealand or Australia have been by public auction," said Mr Smith. There were three sections of property to be sold—the station buildings themselves, land, and the block of flats. At auction the whole block could be offered, and then the individual blocks if necessary. Mr McGrath: That is the right way to call tenders—for the whole lot or separately. Mr Smith: It has been found more satisfactory for years to sell by public auction.

Mr Campbell said he had

been influenced by the valuers who had originally reported on the disposal of the property and by a valuer he had spoken to recently. The latter had no hesitation in saying that the best method of selling the property was by auction. “I don’t know which way to vote.” said Mr R. J. Daly, who added that it might be possible to get information from trustee companies. “Neither do I.” commented Mr T. F. Perkin, ’ who seconded Mr Daly’s amendment that a decision be deferred for a month.

Mr Campbell said the contractor tor the new beadquarters building had told him he expected no difficulty in meeting the contract finishing time of May. next year, but would consider the matter further when he returned from an Australian visit and perhaps give the board an undertaking. While the contractor would be keen to meet the date, much depended on the weather, said the secretary (Mr S. F. Marshall).