GORSE FIRES AT NORTH-EAST VALLEY

Evening Star, Issue 26184, 20 August 1947, Page 9

GORSE FIRES AT NORTH-EAST VALLEY

Support for tho North-east Valley Ratepayers’ Association in its representations to tbo Ciitv Council .about gorso fires in the district was given at a meeting of the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board last night. A letter was received from the association saying that steps had been taken in some cases to remove the gorse, but a fire menace was still in evidence, as gorse which had been cut was allowed to remain and dry out. r During recent weeks the brigade had been called to quell outbreaks, one call being as late as 10.30 p.m. The letter stated that fires had been a danger to adjoin ink properties, and the City Council hdd been asked tp take action. Tho meeting was attended by Messrs E. H. Ferguson (in the chair), H. S. Leith, C. J. Hayward, S. C. A. Ringrose, D, J. .Simpson, H. C. Hartley, M. Connolly, M.L.C., and J. W. Norrie. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. In his >' report for the month, the superintendent, Mr| F, C. Laidlaw, stated that inspections had been completed of licensed buildings used for public meetings and as assembly rooms or theatres in the Green Island and Mosgiel districts, before relicensing for the coming period of 12 months. In regard to the Green Island Town Hall and the Coronation Hall, Mosgiel, Air Laidlaw stated that as pictures for public entertainment were shown in those halls, he would include them in a subsequent report to the board cov-

ering all theatres and cinemas in the metropolitan area. The superintendent reported on the fires which had. been attended during the month, which were detailed, as follows:—Fires, 15; chimney fires, 31; gorse, grass, and rubbish, 21; false alarms—malicious 7, justifiable 5. accidental 3; total, 82.