DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1940, Page 9

DOMINION NEWS

FIRE ENGINE CONTROL.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 11

To solve the problems of fleet control and the calling out of brigadesmen on leave, the question of installing two-way radio communication on the machines of the Christchurch Fire Board is to be considered. The board decided last night that the offer of a former employee, who is now serving with the signal branch of the Air Force, to supply a report on the installation should be accepted.

Superintendent A. Morrison explained the difficulties arising througn inability to keep the fleet in contact with the station on a recent night. A general alarm was sounded and three engines were sent out. A call was then received from Bedford row and a machine was dispatched from the station, a suburban' machine being called in. Then a third call was received from Lichfield Street. it transpired that too many men were sent out to the first call, but they could not be recalled. With two-way radio communication, the whole fleet could have been controlled from the station.

CLAIM FOR £120,000.

PALMERSTON N.„ Spetember 10. A special sitting of the Compensation Court began the hearing of a claim for nearly £120,000 as the price of 4565 acres of land at Moutoa, Foxton, owned by Mr F. S. Easton, the area having been taken by the Crown under the Public Works Act to be used for flax growing as a supply for the woolpack textile industry. Mr Justice Smith is presiding, with Messrs M. F. Bourke and W. R. Bornie as assessors.

A.R.P. EQUIPMENT.

AUCKLAND, September 10. Licences to import approximately 500 gas respirators, anti-gas clothing, and spare materials for the emergency precautions scheme by the Auckland City Council have been refused an Auckland importer by the Customs Department. The importer made an application for the licences on July 29, immediately on receiving an order from the purchasing officer of the council, and he then specified the reasons for which the respirators and other goods were required. On the same day he was advised by the Customs Department that the application had been submitted to the Comptroller of Customs in Wellington for consideration. Since then he has been advised by the department in Auckland that tffi? application to import the goods had been considered, and it was regretted that licences could not be issued. No reason was given for the refusal. The respirators and clothing were required for traffic officers and actual A.R.P. workers. Before receiving the actual order from the council the importer communicated by cablegram on several occasions with his principals in Britain, and was assured by them that shipment would be made within three or four weeks of confirmation of the order. It is understood that the Citv!

Council has taken the matter up with the Government. The Emergency Precautions Committee is ordering a good deal of material, the use of some of which depends on there being respirators and gas-proof clothing available. ,