FIRE BRIGADE ARRANGEMENTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8105, 7 October 1904, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE ARRANGEMENTS.

OLD STATION TO BE REMOVED.

The question of the removal of the old firebell and station has been before the Council for some, time, and at the meeting of the Council on Wednesday evening, the Fire Brigade Committee recommended, That tenders be called for the removal of the old fire station to Wilson street, and the removal of the old bell and stand from its present site to be next the Fire Brigade Station. The committee also recommended that tenders be at once called for the lease (for 21 years) of the old Fire Brigade site. The idea of the committee in removing the old station is to enlarge it upon its re-erection in VVilson street, to be then let for residential purposes. The cost of the alterations has been variously estimated at from £175 to £200. In moving the adoption of the report, Cr Whittaker said in his opinion it would be good business to effect the proposed alterations. He thought they would be able to let the dwelling in Wilson street at 7s per week, and if they got only £12 per annum for the old site, which is now lying idle, they would have ample to pay the interest on £200 (if they decided to borrow that sum), and establish a sinking fund. Cr Hirst reminded the Council that they were right up to their limit at the bank, and were not in a position to make the expenditure involved. Cr Whittaker: Yes, but this shows such a splendid return for the money. Cr Hirst : Yes, that is so, but you must have the money to start with. With regarjd to the old bell, tho Mayor thought they should write to the Postal Department, asking permission to erect the bell on the unoccupied section opposite the Fire Brigade Station. The position there was clear, and the sound would not be interfered with. He moved to that effect.

Cr Sargeson thought the idea a good one and seconded the motion.

This suggestion was agreed to by the committee, and the report was then adopted.