FIRE STATION PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 15, 18 July 1932, Page 6

FIRE STATION PROBLEM

STRENGTHENED BUILDING

MR. FURKERTS OPINION

"I have read the report made by Mr. R. Girling-Butcher, Inspector of Firo Brigades, on the condition of the Central Fire Station," said the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, to-day. "It docs not appear, however, that he has taken into consideration what steps might1 be taken to render'the existing building safe, without going to the added expense of demolition and reconstruction at the present time. "The report of the Enguieer-iu-Chief Public "Works Department, >Mr. F. "W. Furkert, which has not been published, and which does not appear to be1 referred to in' Mr. Girling-Butcher's report, contains the following words:— : Although the building is. at 'the present time unsatisfactory,. I' do not think it necessarily follows that with reasonable expense it could not be made safe, as has been done with other buildings which, although decidedly unsafe "tpvbegin with, have been so strengthened as to give their owners reasonable securityl

"In my opinion,'' continued Mr. Hislop, "a considerable number of things which have been dono with reference to buildings since the Hawkcs Bay earthquake have been dictated by panic, and I think that careful inquiry- into the possibility of following tho suggestion made by the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department should be made befoje embarking upon the expense of erecting a new fire station.

"The whole matter will receive careful consideration with a view to providing necessary protection, against fire, and at the same time safeguarding the financial interests of citizens."