WHANGAREI FIRE BOARD

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1919, Page 3

WHANGAREI FIRE BOARD

DISCUSSION RE EXTENSIONS.

U\A\r.\llTY BE IMPROVEMENTS.

The quarterly meeting of the Whangarei Five Board was held yesterday morning in the chamber of the Borough Council. The chair was taken at 9 a.m. by his Worship the Mayor, Mr J. 8. Dent. There were present Messrs N. P. Williams, F. Cutforth, H. C. Rishworth, C. 13. Chissell, E. G. \V. Tibbits, J. E. Morten ami C. J. Eccles. Mr A. M. McLeod, the architect, was present to answer any questions arising as to Ihe plan submitted for new buildings. ROTORUA INQUIRY. A letter was road from the Rot.orua Fire Board inquiring re local by-law as to-storage of benzine and other inflammable oils. The secretary notified having supplied the information desired, and his action was approved. THANKS. . A letter was received from the Fire Brigade thanking the Board for a donation of two guineas. DEPARTMENT INTERNAL AFFAIRS. Letters wore recoicd from the Department of Internal Affairs acknowledging receipt of copies of annual report, and intimating that £49 lis 6d had been paid for the Whangarei Fire Board on account of the fire hose purchased in Loudon. FORD TRUCK ESTIMATE.

A letter was read from the Whangarei Engineering Company giving an estimate for a Ford ton truck chassis at £243, alterations and changing body £25 and allowance for old ear of £95.

( LEVELS. A letter was received from the town clerk re specified levels of Norfolk and Dent streets. REPORT OE SUPERIiN'TENDENT. The report of the superintendent, Mr (!. 11. Chissell, was read by tho secretary, and alter a few questions, adopted, with a reservation regretting an expression of opinion from Inspector Hugo, of Wellington, as to the advisability of spending the £36 specified. The report was published in our issue of yesterday. FINANCES. The financial transactions of the Board show a balance, of £186 in the Bank of New Zealand. Receipts show £8 ids from the Government, £38 from the Whangarei Borough Council, and £33 from insurance companies. Items of expenditure include Fulljames and Co. £](•, Engineering Company £14, tolcphonc rents £13, and wages £31. Accounts totalling £71 lis 2d were, on the motion of the chairman, passed for payment. The cost of a new 500 feet, new hose, £49, purchased from England through the High Commissioner, is included in the above amount. HAMILTON FIRE BOARD. A letter was read from the Hamilton Fire Board giving details of their fire station, built for £3500 which was described as up-to-date for an inland fire station. The upper part was occupied by the superintendent and his family. The lower part was originally intended for single men, but had been used as quarters for a married man and family, and also for the motor driver. It was not found to be a good plan for two families to reside on the premises. OBJECTION TO SITE. Mr F. Evans wrote stating that he had seen the plan proposed for the new fire station and hoped that it would not be accepted, being in his opinion,

wasteful and extravagant. The plan of the basement shows that half of that portion of the building would be put to no use whatever. The social hall is out of all proportion and being in the basement would make it difficult for tho firemen to get to their appointed placo in the event of a call, without considerable compression. Tho plan emphasised the unsuitability of the site and be hoped the Board would consider that phase of the question before it was too late. FIRE STATION SITE. A letter was read from Mr J. Jackson offering an adjoining site of 30 feet by 130 feet at £4 a foot, the offer to remain open for one calendar month.

Mr Morten remarked that this raised the whole question of the present site. In his opinion the site was not suitable.

Mr Dent ruled that tho matter could not then be discussed. The site had been agreed to by the Board. BUILDING PLANS. A letter was read from Mr A. M. McLeod the architect, enclosing plans for suggested new brick station at an estimated cost of £5000. Mr Williams said there was no question that the Board could not afford that amount, and a, change should be made. Mr Morten drew attention to the fact that the social accommodation was downstairs and against the established principles of fire stations. Mr Dent said it was quite possible to iiave all on one floor, and by way of summing up general conversation as to building details, remarked that the plan could be cut down.

Mr Williams: That is a question for the architect.

Mr McLeod: No, that is a question for the Board. The plans give the accommodation as asked.

Mr Williams wondered whether a three storied building would be better, and a query wa4 expressed by Mr Rishworth as to the cost in concrete.

Mr Morten contended that the arrangement for men to have to mount stairs to answer a fire-call was wrong.

Mr Rishworth: Is there much in it?

Mr Morten: Some seconds,

Mr Chissell was questioned as to the alleged disadvantage and replied: "My men can get up the steps as quickly as the Pitt street firemen go down the

pole.''

Mr Williams thought the social room, 45 feet by 22 feet, too large. Mr Chissell warmly justified having the large room.

Mr Williams inquired if other rooms could be put in the basement.

Mr McLeod replied in the affirmative, but remarked that such a plan was open to the same objection as to the other being below.

General comments, questions and inquiries dealing with type of building, side entrance, engine-run, etc., were indulged is, and Mr Dent stated that the building must either be cut down or a notice of motion given.

Mr Morten suggested referring the whole thing to Inspector Hugo first.

Mr Dent: He has nothing to do with

it. All seemed to agree that £5000 was out of the question, and Mr Williams inquired if the cost would be reduced materially.

Mr McLeod: Not 25 per cent. Mr Williams thought £3000 was the utmost limit. Mr Dent coacurred remarking that even looking well ahead, £3000 was enough. Mr Eccles then re-read Mr Jackson's letter offering the adjoining section. Mr Cutforth: If we make a twostorey building there is no advantage in having the section. Mr Dent suggested giving Mr Jackson the right of way to Dent street if he gives the Board the section. Mr Williams remarked that if such could be arranged it was well worth consideration. Mr Morten suggested the desirability of seeing tiie section, remarking that perhaps Mr Jackson might buy the whole site. The Board here adjourned for an inspection, Mr Williams though it best to defer tho whole matter to the finance committee or the whole Board. On Mr Chissell being asked as to providing sleeping quarters below the level of the main building, said that there would be a decided objection to such a proposal. On resuming the Board's meetiHg at the Council Chambers, Mr WUliams movejl that the matter be left in the hands of Messrs Dent and Rishworth as regards effecting an exchange of the section for the right of way to Dent street. Mr Cutforth seconded the motion which was carried. Mr Williams proposed that in the event of the section being acquired, the plan be referred to the local committee and architect with idea of alterations to reduce the cost. Mr Rishworth seconded the proposition which was carried^ Mr Morten gave notice of motion as follows: In view of the large expenditure necossary to provide Whangarei with an up-to-date fire station and the unsuitable nature of our present site, I desire to give notice of motion that the Board disposes of the site and acquires , a more convenient one,

The special meetiHg to further deal with the matter was fixed for March 9.

Being tho last meeting for the year, the chairman, Mr Dent, wished all present the compliments of the season and a happy now yoar, Tho sentiments were generally exchanged Mid the meeting concluded.