Powder Magazine at Tararu.

Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9885, 6 March 1901, Page 1

Powder Magazine at Tararu.

GOVERNMENT AGREE TO SI-lE,

At last night's meeting ; of the Thames Harbour Board tha * vexed ""question of the magazine at Tararu for powder and other explosives was brought up for discussion.

Sir Arthur Douglas, the Undersecretary for Defence, wrote to the Harbour Board under date Gth February, acknowledging receipt of the Board's letter, dated 23rd January, and stating that he was directed by the Minister for Defence to inform the Board that the magaz<ae under the control of the Board required to be properly fitted as regards its baulage material. This was not now in a serviceable condition, a new U«m lino being necessary; that «r;pat ate buildings should be provided for uit.ro. explosives and detonators, as &ocn as possible, and that it did not appear necessary ,to alter the sitd ox the magazine. The writer added that i designs of the buildings hud to be I submitted to the defence office.

Regarding this matter Mr Bruco (the secretary) stated that tiie plans and specifications for the \ buildings and tram lines had ,been prepared. The residents of the district had "objected to the magazine) and the whole matter had been hung up until a reply had been ; .received from the* Defence Department. Some delay having occurred the speaker 'again wrote to the Department, and the letter just read was in reply to the communication from the Board. They, would have to submit the plans to the Defence Department, and he thought that exception would be taken to the tram line. The speaker wish,ed the matter to be pushed ahead, as [the winter was coming on.

Mr Bayldon, harbor master, suggested that the Board should visit the site, with himself, Mr Adams, and the magazine keeper. He understood that the latter had some objections to the site.

Mr Potts thought that it would be more satisfactory to have" a man in - permanent charge. He had nothing against the present keeper, but in the interests of all it would .be better to have a man in permanent charge.

Mr Bruce: The Board could not get a better man. Under th& new conditions everything will he safe.

Mr Potts: But he resides at Parawai, two miles away. Powder has been taken from the magazine, and the kegs rolled down the hill. This has caused the whole trouble.

After further discussion it was decided that the Board should visit the site this afternoon, accompanied by the harbour master, Mr Adams, and the magazine keeper.