FIRE STATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23221, 15 December 1938, Page 17

FIRE STATION

NEW CITY BLOCK £130,000 LOAN REQUIRED ALTERATION OF THE PLANS COMPLYING WITH THE BY-LAWS The proposal to build a new central fire station in Auckland was advanced a further stage at a meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board yesterday, when it was decided to call a special meeting of the board on January 11 to consider for approval by the Local Government Loans Board the raising of a loan of £130,000. It was estimated that sum would cover the cost of the site and the building and all contingencies. The chairman of the board, Mr. J. J. Kingston, said the plans had been placed before the Town Planning Committee of the Auckland City Council, but they had not been approved. The chief difficulty was that two blocks of buildings had no frontage to a street, as was required by the by-laws. The matter had been left to My. J. Tyler, the city engineer, who had said he could not pass the plans without referring them back to the committee. The board's architect, Mr. D. B. Patterson, was now remodelling the whole scheme.

Efficiency more than beauty was considered in drawing up the plans, said Mr. Kingston. It was the desire to have the buildings so arranged as to get the men to the station quickly. Another difficulty was presented in the shape of the land bought. Tho area was small, but it was the best available in the city area. "An amended plan is now being worked on by Mr. Patterson," he added. "I think we will have to go on with the scheme, although there are difficulties. We have given the Minister an undertaking that we yould provide better quarters for tho men. If we could proceed with the quarters and could provide houses for 25 men we could save £25 a week. I think we had better get the preliminaries fixed in tho meantime and that will start the ball rolling. The plans and specifications will not be complete for three or four months after wo decide how far we will go." It was decided to make the preliminary arrangements and hold a special meeting on January 11.