OIL TANKS TOO EXPOSED

Southland Times, Issue 23826, 25 May 1939, Page 6

OIL TANKS TOO EXPOSED

Concern Expressed By Board

VULNERABLE TO AIR OR SEA ATTACK ADDITION TO SITE SOUGHT BY COMPANY The exposed situation of petrol storage tanks on the foreshore at Bluff was again discussed by the Bluff Harbour Board last night. The discussion followed the receipt of a letter from the Shell Oil Company inquiring whether the board would be prepared to extend its reclamation in the vicinity of the company’s present tanks so that more tanks could be erected permitting the company’s overseas 'tankers to visit Bluff.

The chairman (Mr W. A. Ott) said that the board already had authority to continue reclamation. It would involve the erection of a new concrete wall. The Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C., said that this would reduce still further the amount of beach at Bluff.

Several members said they considered that the board should concentrate on reclamation to the west of the port and that tankage area should be provided there.

The Shell Company did not favour the establishment of tanks at separate points, said the chairman. It might be possible to allot a new area. Sir Robert Anderson said it would be too expensive to move the existing tanks to a new site where land might be made available. Mr D. H. Cockburn said it was doubtful whether the companies should be allowed to erect more tanks in the same position. They were very exposed to attack by an enemy and as defence matters were so important at the present time that aspect should be seriously considered. He thought that the board should communicate with the Department of Industries and Commerce or Department of Defence and ask whether it was considered advisable that the erection of more tanks in the same position should be permitted. It was an opportune occasion to draw attention to the position. The chairman said the board had already written to the Department of Industries and Commerce about the exposed position of fuel tanks and had received a reply that the question was already receiving serious consideration.

The whole of the tankage area in New Zealand was too exposed, said Mr Doyle. It was a matter into which the Government should go very fully. In the event of an enemy attack by air or sea serious damage could be done and New Zealand depended very greatly on petrol and fuel oil for industry. It would not be out of place for the board to draw attention to the position.

Mr W. J. A. McGregor said the tanks should be placed underground. The letter was referred to the Emergency Works Committee.