BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19860, 2 February 1928, Page 15

BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH.

FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT. The Birkenhead Borough Council met last evening, the Mayor, Mr. E. G. Skeates, presiding. „ It was agreed to expedite the loan proposals for a rocreation ground at Birkdale, and swimming baths, bathing sheds and boat lockers at the waterfront, near the Birkenhead Wharf. It was decided to consider at the next meeting the desirability of also including a proposal in the loan programme for an extension of the water services. A motion to also consider the inclusion of a loan allocation for fire-fighting purposes was lost. The provision of up-to-date fire-fighting appliances was urged in a letter from the Birkenhead Ratepayers and Residents' Association, which reiterated its readiness to assist in any progressive scheme and to organise a volunteer fire brigade if the council would provide the necessary equipment and instal an alarm system. In the meantime, the association considered quicker and more direct communication with the Northcoto Fire Brigade should be arranged, and that, lengths of hose should be rlaced in readinesss in variousi parts of the borough. It was decided to consider the question of fire brigade equipment when the estimates are being framed for the ensuing financial year. Licences were granted for two motor-cars to ply as omnibuses under the borough by-law, subject to a definite understanding regarding the running of these services on Sundays nnd holidays. The Mayor said the council could license these vehicles to carry not more than seven passengers. The engineer reported that seven men were employed on relief work at Hinemoa Park. The sum of £176 had so far been expended on relief wages, out of an agreed amount of £249. The exchange of about five acres of land in the Birkehhead Domain for cemetery extension purposes was agreed to. Arrangements were concluded with the Waitemata County Council for the reconstruction of portion of Onewa Road, between the Northcote and Birkenhead borough boundaries.