FAIRLIE FOOD SUPPLIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22214, 6 March 1942, Page 3

FAIRLIE FOOD SUPPLIES

UNSATISFACTORY POSITION For some months the question of sufficient supplies of food in Fairlie, in the event of an emergency, has been discussed by residents. Mr T. N. McKenzie, who has gone into the matter, advises that the supplies of flour, meat, sugar, etc., held to the township at any one time are sufficient for normal use for a period of only nine days. This position is considered to be very unsatisfactory. Should people be evacuated to Fairlie the food available would be inadequate, and if provision for supplies is not made before an emergency, the district would be in serious difficulty. In reply to a letter written to the county engineer. Mi’ McKenzie has been advised that the matter of having sufficient food supplies in the county has been taken up on several occasions by the council, but it is difficult to know before whom to place the matter. Recently, Mr Jeune states, the question was referred to the Member for the district, with a request that he discuss the position with the right authorities. The letter also states that the matter has again been taken up with the evacuation authorities in Timaru, and it is hoped that they will add force to the request. “It is unfortunate that the people in the centres near the coast cannot see these matters from the same viewpoint as we do," concludes the letter. Business men who have been giving thought to the question of food supplies are unanimous that provision for the storage of food should be made in the back country. At present, they point out, all supplies of grain, flour, meat, etc., are stored near the coast, and are liable to be lost in the case of enemy action. FIRE BRIGADE Superintendent W. Close presided over the monthly meeting of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. The report stated that the month had been quiet, there being no fires or alarms. All equipment and motors were in good order. It was stated that the total hose now available was 600 feet. As further’ supplies were practically unobtainable it was decided that the hose be used for fires only. In the past the motor pumping engine and hose had been used for washing down buildings, filling tanks, etc. It was agreed that in future the engine and hose be not used for this purpose. It was found that in some areas of the township the fire plugs were 600 feet away from buildings, this requiring that all hose available be kept dry and used for Are purposes only. The Aorangi Hall had been booked for the annual ball to be held on Easter Monday night. It was agreed that the ball be held on that date, but should any emergency arise, that it be cancelled. Commencing next week an inspection of all premises is to be made by the brigade. Householders are to be asked to give all assistance to the firemen who will be carrying out the inspection. A general discussion took place regarding steps to be taken should fires occur through enemy action.

A SUCCESSFUL DAY

The takings at the stall in Fairlie on Tuesday in aid of the Lady Galway Guild, must be a record for such an effort. Mrs Scott, the president, states that the net result was £6l/12/-, with several amounts still to come in. Credit is due to the women who worked so hard to get this satisfactory result.