GETTING RID OF MUNITION DUMP

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 72, 16 June 1927, Page 3

GETTING RID OF MUNITION DUMP

DEVONPORT’S PERIL DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL A letter from the Inspector of Explosives was before the Devortport Borough Council last night stating that the proposed new magazine for the navy at Fort Takapuna did not constitute an undue hazard, as the storage in earthen pits of cordite separate from the detonators for the shells , was In accord with the regulations. The navy desired to have a dump handy to the ships, and under the circumstances Fort Takapuna was the most suitable. Commenting on the letter, Mr. E. Aldridge, Mayor, said that THE SUN had published a statement about the peril to Devonport from the magazine at Mount Victoria. The council had been dealing in committee with the question for some time, but on the publication of the report he had, at [ha request of Mr. Harris. M.P.. and [be Officer Commanding the Naval Base, made an nspection of the magazine at Fort Takapuna, and the dump on Mount Victoria, and issued » reassuring statement. So far as he could judge and was advised by experts, there was no more danger th ui from the storage of petrol. Mr. J. Hislop, Deputy-Mayor, whose house is close to the new cite for the magazine, protested against having any munitions stored in the borough The land at Fort Takapuna was an ideal place for houses. The Government was paying £4,000 per annum for the dump, and that amount could readily be got by renting the land. The insurance companies would not cover property in the vicinity of the dump with their ordinary policy. The placing of a naval arsenal at Narrow Keck would inevitably mean erecting anti-aircraft defences there and sooner or later the whole of the area would he a huge, and he believed from what he heard from naval men, quite un•uitable fortification. Mr. H. A. Campbell, of the council, who had many years’ experience in the forts, explained that while the navy took no risks, the new site would he found unsuitable, as It could not l>e kept dry. Guncotton could be handled with impunity while wet, but dampness caused cordite to deteriorate and then it was dangerous. He was certain that the place would he unsuitable. He mentioned that to the naval officer. They move in nt the end of September. Mr. Aldridge: It is a comfort ter get Mount Victoria for the public. Mr. C. M. Browne said no stone should be left unturned to get the hill cleared of the dump. Mr. Aldridge: Circumstances are •hiding for us if the place is damp. Mr. Browne: Let us pray for rain.