FIRE BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16606, 18 July 1914, Page 4

FIRE BOARD.

The Christchurch Fire Board met last evening; present—Messrs A. L. Parsons (chairman), W. H. Cooper, A. Williams, H. R. Rusbridgo, W. B. M'Kenzic and J. F. Grierson. The report of the Board (in committee) was considered. The report recommended: That the sale of the old Lichfield Street station to Jas. J« Niven and Co., Ltd., should be agreed to, tho matter to be left in the chairman's hands, he having pointed out that a commission would bo payable on the sale of tho property; that Mr F. W. Freeman's application to have shops in Colombo Street South placed on I the guarantee list, should be. approved; and that Auxiliary Fireman Franklin's resignation should be acepted. It was reported that on July 3 a decision had been given by the Stipendiary Magistrato against the proprietors of the Grand Picture Theatre for allowing people to stand on the exit stairs, and a fine of 20s and costs was recorded, this being a case*-in which the superintendent of the fire brigade proceeded against the proprietors in the interests of public safety. It was recommended that tenders should be called for brigade uniforms, clothing and boots; that a Ganiewcll recorder should be purchased, and that the necessary boxes to replace the old ones on circuits H. 1., J., and L. should be procured. The superintendent had requested that his three weeks' leave of absonce now due should stand over for six months, in order that he might have six weeks then with a view to visiting Australia. It was recommended that tho request should be granted. Mr Rushridge having balloted for two companies to tako the Board's insurances on buildings, plant, etc., as from July 31, the ballot had resulted in the- Sun and Northern Offices being given half of the risk each. It was recommended that the chairman, superintendent and secretary should vidua tho buildings, plant, etc., for insurance purposes, and that tho statement for 12 months ended June 30 showing a debit balance of £77 3s should bo approved, subject to audit. Accounts amounting to £4BB 13s 7d were recommended for payment. Mr Grierson said that the report was not a true record of what had been done in committee. The full information regarding the sale of the old Lichfield Street station had not been given. The chairman said he was about to make a statement on the subjectMr Grierson continued his protest-

The chairman suggested that he should bo allowed to make his state- • ment. He said as -they all knew tho price was £sooo, the terms being j fivo years at 0 per cent. Mr Grierson knew that, as the speaker had con- > ferred with him before the purchase. Mr Gi ierson : It •is not in tho re- j port. t | Mr Rusbridgo rose to a point f-f order, and said that if Mr Grierson wanted information the chairman had already signified his willingness to give it. Tho discussion on this part cf tho report was then concluded, and tlte report was adopted: Mr W. 11. Cooper brought up cb© , question of the pace at which tho Board's fire engines should be allowed' to go through busy streets. He had j eeen the engines going through crowded central busy streets at a pace ho considered dangerous. He thought the engines should go by less frequented streets.

Tho superintendent said that the shortest route to the fire was always taken. . ■' Mr Grierson said that it had hecn decided some years ago that on busy nights in town the Brigade should use Manchester Streeet in preference to Colombo Street. It was decided to call for tenders for. a sunplv of uniforms for members of the Brigade, tenders to close on July 24, and to be considered at a special meeting of tho Brigade at 5 p.m. at that dateThe chairman said that on tho following Tuesday at 2 p.an. a demonstration would bo given in the gymnasium of the progress made by members in their gymnasium work. Members of the Board were invited to attend. *