NEW PREMISES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24878, 27 April 1944, Page 7

NEW PREMISES

CITY FIRE BRIGADE CHANGE-OVER COMPLETED The City fire brigade completed its move from the old station in Pitt Street to the new quarters on the corner of Pitt Street and Grey's Avenue during the week, the change-over being accomplished with only the smallect interruption to the service on automatic fire alarms. No calls were received in the 45 minutes taken to move the fire alarm board to its new position, the work being done by the station staff without a hitch. The telephone switchboard was handled by the Post and Telegraph Department. The provision of a special flying squad room next to the engine bays has reduced the time taken for the brigade to turn out to something below the 17 seconds and 20 seconds taken in day and night time from the old station. The men are called to duty by a loudspeaker system. The main building contains four floors, the first holding the offices and administration rooms, as well as single men's quarters, and the top floor a large recreation room. The two lower floors contain the engine room and other rooms connected with the operation of the station. Quarters for the staff are much more comfortable than at the old station. There are 33 single bedrooms in the main block, and 21. sets of married quarters have been completed. The sets include a sitting room, three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a washhouse. A further six flats are being built, and the superintendent's house has not yet been erected. An improvement over the former premises is the provision of a concrete drill yard, which will eliminate the former necessity for training in the street. A 72ft.* tower is provided for the drying of hoses and can be used for fire-fighting practice, the water played on it being caught in a tank at the bottom, from, where it can be led back to the hoses. MAORI BABY'S DEATH TAKEN FROM HOSPITAL CORONER EMPHASISES RISK "There is no law to stop parents taking children away from hospitals—in fact, there is no law to stop any one from leaving a hospital—but parents must realise that in taking children away they are running a risk and m igiit verv well be indicted for manslaughter/' said the coroner, Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., at an inquest yesterday into the on March 31 of a Maori infant, Hoani Mura, aged four months, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Mura, of Panmure. The coroner found that the cause of death was dysentery and toxic encephalitis. Evidence was given that the baby was taken to the Green Lane Hospital toward the end of last year. On March 29 last, acting against the advice of the hospital doctor in charge of the case, the parents took the child away from the hospital. The doctor said there was little chance of the baby surviving, but there was more hope of a recovery while he was at Green Lane. The father gave evidence that he could see that his son was seriously ill, and considered that he could be better treated at home. "I have had the benefit- of a statement from the physician in charge of the case," said the coroner, "and the chances of survival appear to have been practically nil. It would be difficult to prove that the action of_ the parents brought about death. This is not the first time this happened with the Maori race. They like to take persons to die in their own locality ._ However, this case provides a warning of the risks they run by taking children from hospitals." ELDERLY MAN'S DEATH A verdict of death from injuries, received when he was accidentally knocked down by a motor-car in Remuera Road on March 12 was returned by the coroner, Mr. J. H. Luxford, S._M., at an adjourned inquest yesterday into the death of Mr. Robert Alexander Haig. single, aged 80. The deceased was admitted to the Auckland Hospital on March 12 with shock and serious head injuries, and he died four days later.

THEFT OF PETROL The theft of four gallons of petrol was admitted by Hector James Graham, driver, aged 21 (Mr. Aekins). before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., yesterday. He was fined £lO. FATE OF WIDOWER A verdict that death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the forehead was returned by the coroner, Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., at an adjourned inquest yesterday into the death of Alfred Edward Harding, widower, aged 47, of 63 Church Street, Devonport. Deceased was admitted to the Auckland Hospital early on_ the morning of February 12 in a critical condition, and died at 6.45 p.m. RESTITUTION ORDER A New Zealand naval man, Gordon Albert George Sell (Mr.' Aekins), petitioned before Mr. Justice Fair yesterday for restitution of conjugal rights against Esther Elizabeth Sell (Mr. Dickson). The parties were married in September, 1940, and have one child. The petitioner said they had been separated since last July, and his wife refused to return to him. He was giving his wife £5 7s 6d a week and keeping £1 5s for himself. His Honor made an order for return within 21 days. GOLF COMPETITIONS Remuera Ladies.—L.G.U. competition:— Seniors: Mrs. Ralph, 80, 10 —70; Mrs. Alison. 84. 11—73; Mrs. Miller, 86, 12—74; Mrs. Keys, 96, 17—79. Juniors: Miss C. Ring, 96,' 29—67; Mrs, L. Williams. 95. 28 —67; Miss Mumford, 99, 30 —69; Mrs. Hawkeswood, 89, 19—70; Mrs. Endean, 93, 19 —74; Mrs. E. Brown, 110, 36—74. Miss Ring won on a recount. First round of Meadowbank Bowl: Miss Grant beat Miss Long, 9 and 8; Miss Worrall beat Miss Ross. 1 up, at the 20th; Miss J. Peebles beat Miss Woodcocks, S and 6; Mrs. Dyke beat Miss Hall, 1 up, at the 20th; Mrs. Fitzgerald beat Mrs. Bnrton. 5 and 3: Miss Armstrong beat Miss Cooke, 3 and 2; Miss English beat Miss Stewart, 1 up; Miss Coward beat Miss Devereux, 2 up. North Shore Ladies.—Flag match:—Miss C. Sharpe carried the Rag to the 19th fairway. SPORTS CLUB OFFICERS Whangarei Referees. —President, Mr. W. A. Mardon; vice-president, Mr. H. Jones: secretary and treasurer. Mr. D. Ross; delegate to North Auckland Referees' Association, Mr. L. G. Miller: delegate to Whangarei Rugby Union. Mr. R. Morrison; auditor. Mr. R. S. Arneil; irrading committee. Messrs. W. H. Hal left F. Brown, A. Johnston.