Rural fire-fighting unit for Akaroa more likely

Press, 1 November 1984, Page 22

Rural fire-fighting unit for Akaroa more likely

Akaroa County is closer to having its own rural firefighting service. Discussions with the Lands and Survey Department resulted in proposals to train and equip five-man fire parties, the Akaroa County Council was told on Tuesday. The County Engineer, Mr K. A. Paulin, said that meeting delegates had decided that the Akaroa Fire Service would continue to attend all fires. However, fire training of up to 30 members of a rural fire party was essential. If necessary, it could assist in leading groups of lessertrained or untrained volunteers in the event of a large fire. Location of trained personnel needed to be given consideration. Proposals included scattering them throughout the whole county, establish-’ ing separate parties in each of the main outer bays, and two or three places in the inner harbour. A fully equipped trailer should be set up at Duvauchelle where it could be sent rapidly to any part of the county, Mr Paulin said. The Lands and Survey Department was keen to have Wairewa County involved in the scheme, as many of the more import-, ant scenic reserves were in that district, he said. Councillors were certain that the system would be more successful if it was based solely in Akaroa County. However, they agreed that close contact should be kept with Wairewa and they were willing to “go over the hill” if help was needed there.

The matter will be further discussed at a meeting of fire officers and leaders of the rural fire parties at Akaroa next week. A training session, organised by the Forest Service, is likely to be held the next week at Duvauchelle. Equipment for the proposed rural service is expected to cost about $30,000. Chairmaking A small hand-crafted chairmaking business has been welcomed to the district by the Council. Planning consent to build a workshop, carport, and small showroom at Barrys Bay was given to a Christchurch chairmaker, Mr Colin Slade. He has just moved to the area from Christchurch, where he ran his business for eight years. The business, to be built on his property, consisted of the individual production and sale of hand-crafted, fine-quality chairs and associated furniture, he said. It was not expected to, create increased traffic flow in the area because visits would be made by appointment only. The business had previously attracted four or five visitors a week. Little noise disturbance was expected as only limited machinery would be used and for no more than about five hours a week. Although his business was a small one, it catered to a steady demand. For this reason, Mr. Slade also sought permission to erect a small sign to indicate his location to visiting clients as weir as to attract some local trade. He considered

this an important factor in setting himself and his family as members of the local community.

Mr Paulin said that creating a new industry in Barrys Bay must be considered in the public interest provided the council was satisfied that access and advertising would not affect traffic on. State highway 75. He supported a recommendation by the Ministry of Works and Development that the sign have only the owner’s name and his occupation. A size of 900 mm by 600 mm would be appropriate for the sign, he said Two other points of consideration raised by Mr Paulin were poor visibility on the north-east side of the: highway, and provision of sufficient egress from the proposed workshop to pre-, vent vehicles backing on to the road. Visibility was partly obscured by big - toetoe and flax bushes immediately north-east of Mr Slade’s property. Removal of these would provide more than 100 metres of visibility. The council approved the proposal, subject to the conditions outlined by Mr Paulin.

Cr A. D. L. Tapley said he <.

knew Mr Slade’s work and considered him to be one of the best chairmakers in New Zealand. “I really cannot see a problem with this one (application) and feel, that we are very, very lucky to have Mr Slade over here,” he said. Community centre Avenues of funding for a proposed community centre at Akaroa needed to be examined closely by the council, members were told. Mr John Cullens, a lawyer representing the Akaroa Community Complex Committee, said that such a project relied on council and community support. One avenue was a special ratings system for the county, allowed for in the Local Government Act. Under this system, “dwelling units” would have an extra rating of up to $2O a year. “I realise rating is an issue that is almost a political hot potato but it is a matter the council will have to weigh up heavily,” he said.

Funding, was also available from sports and com-

munity organisations, national grants committees, and possibly through loans raised by the council. The project, to be built in stages over several years, is expected to cost about $1.9 million. New offices The council’s new offices are expected to be formally opened on "November 15. Councillors supported an idea.by the County Clerk, Mr L. W.. M. Graham, that an open day be held to give the public an opportunity to view the office block and the council's new plant and equipment workshop. Road name A road at Duvauchelle, between State highway 75 and Seafield Road, has been named Haywards Lane. The name pays tribute to Mr Donald Hayward, the former deputy chairman of the council, and chairman of the Duvauchelle Domain Board. He is a descendant of one of the first chairmen of the board. The Haywards, a third generation farming family in Duvauchelle Bay, recently left the district.