OLD WINDMILL SITE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 13

OLD WINDMILL SITE

Si r —The Fire Board's endeavour to secure the site of this old landmark for an up-to-date fire station must be opposed to the limit. The chairman of the board states that this is the most suitable of the sites under consideration, and I can only conclude that they cannot have looked very far for alternative sites. He rightly states that his board is the best judge of the type of site for the purpose, but the ordinary laymen who comprise the citizens of Auckland will want to know before a decision is finally arrived at, what peculiar advantage this mill site has that would necessitate the destruction of a landmark of such historic association with Auckland. This particular locality is among the most dangerous in the city for engines getting in and out quickly, particularly in rush hours, and I do not suppose the board has any assurance that fires will not break out during rush hours.' Surely there is abundant suitable land in Grey's Avenue just about the centre of the city's business area, and where it would do away with some of the undesirable hovels in that quarter. Mr. Partington is to bo commended for his public-spirited attitude in connection with his property, and I earnestly hope that the ambitions of a lifetime will not be frustrated by the action of the Fire Board. If the public arc with him in the matter of saving the mill for Auckland for all time they should insist on the Government setting up a Commission in order that evidence may be taken and all other likely sites. investigated:

Vic. JOHNSON-