FIRE STATION SITE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22481, 27 July 1936, Page 12

FIRE STATION SITE

Sir, —The question of using the Oldish site for the fire station is to me ridi c „ lons as it is quite unsuitable for th£ following reasons:—First, this frontage faces what is well known, at certain times of the day, to be the busiest corner in New Zealand; secondly, there is a bus stop opposite and a tram safety zone just above that; thirdly the windmill is one of the old colonists' landmarks of Auckland, and its removal would be resented by reasons of its historical connections. If a larger site is necessary, why does not the Fire Board acquire the premises next to the present position in Pitt Street, occupied by the Auckland Gas Company, Limited? This additional area would double their present site, which is, I consider most admirable for the purpose p' '■ It.

Sir. —The question of a suitable site for the new tiro station is one that requires careful consideration. ()na aspect concerning the proposed Symonds Street and Mount Street sit« does not appear to have received much thought. I refer to the fact that an engine running down Welleslev Street East will require to make a right-angle turn into Queen Street. This turn will be a source of danger, because it will follow very quickly on the warning from the engine as it runs down the short distance from .the corner of Symonds Street. At present the route from Pitt Street via Grey's Avenue gives more warning and does not require a sharp turning anywhere from Queen Street to the wharves. Speaking as a layman. I would suggest that Upper Queen Street, Grey's Avenue or Wakefield Street would be more suit, able as a run-out to Queen Street than Welleslev Street Fast. Safety First.