HORAHORA FIRE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 290, 7 September 1928, Page 12

HORAHORA FIRE

OIL NEAR TRANSFORMERS

UP-TO-DATE EXTINGUISHING APPLIANCES

A statement that he had been informed on reliable authority at Horahora on Monday that the damage caused by the fire at the power station there would have been considerably reduced had another fire extinguisher been available, was made by Mr. W. L. Martin (Raglan) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Martin asked the Minister of Public Works if he would have immediate investigations made into the risks at the hydro-electric stations, particularly in regard to the storage of oil near transformer plants, and also if he would give instructions that an adequate supply of fire extinguishers be maintained at all power stations. The Minister of Public Works (Hon. K. S. Williams) replied that he understood that Horahora was the only station where oil was stored near the transformer, and that arrangement of the plant had been made before the Governmentjibok over. He would have further inquiries made into the position. With regard to the supply of fire extinguishers, the Minister said he understood that only recently a new and up-to-date system had been installed at Horahora.

The Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) : That is true.

The Minister promised also to have additional inquiries made into this aspect of the fire.