PETROL STORE DANGERS

Evening Star, Issue 20254, 15 August 1929, Page 14

PETROL STORE DANGERS

CONTROL IN THE CITIES IS LEGISLATION ADEQUATE ? [From Oca I j xrlilue.n"j.ahx Kjspomek.] WELLINGTON, August 1-1. As a consequence of tho continued explosions in Christchurch at the petrol store fire, Mr Armstrong (Christchurch East) suggested to the Minister of Internal Affairs that he should introduce legislation this session preventing local bodies from granting permits.for petrol stores to bo erected in residential areas. He also asked whether tho Minister will make provision in such legislation compelling local bodies to sot aside dangerous goods areas for such purposes, and to prevent siteh goods from being stored in large quantities outside of such areas. The Hon. P. A. de la Pcrrcllo (Minister of Internal Affairs) replied that it was arranged for a number of experts to view tho fire referred to and t& hold an informal conference with tho deputy chief inspector of explosives as to the" desirability of amending the regulations dealing .with tho storage of petrol. The question of what action should be taken will be carefully considered on receipt of the report. Attention is drawn to section 40 of the Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1923, which confers on borough councils the power to define areas for the storage of dangerous goods. Mr Armstrong thanked the Minister for this answer, and hoped that legislation would be introduced promptly, because tho danger, was very real, and he had in his capacity of city councillor objected to a permit' being issued for tho actual petrol store at which tho disastrous firo occurred. Mr de la Perrollo repeated his assurance. He intended to give the matter close attention. If the inquiry showed a necessity to strengthen the Jaw ho would act promptly, and go tho limit to obviate such disastrous results as had occurred in Christchurch.