SIRENS SHRIEK AS NEW FIRE STATION DECLARED OPEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18008, 19 November 1926, Page 5

SIRENS SHRIEK AS NEW FIRE STATION DECLARED OPEN.

IMPOSING BUILDING ERECTED AT SYDENHAM

The new Fire Brigade Station at Sydenham was opened last night by Mr A. Williams, chairman of the Fire Board, The commencement of the ceremony, which was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators, consisted in driving the engine from the old station adjacent into the new building, breaking a tape which was stretched across the doorway. With siren blaring the engine swept into its new home to the accompaniment of cheers from the bystanders. Those present then gathered in the ground floor to which the engine had been driven and Mr Williams addressed them from the engine.

“ On behalf of the Fire Board,” he said, “ it gives me great pleasure to welcome you and declare the Sydenham Fire Station duly open. I have to apologise for the absence of the Hon R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Inspector Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades.” Mr Williams outlined the steps taken by the board in leading up to the erection of the new station, saying that the board fully realised that the old station was quite unsuitable from the fire brigade point of view, and also as far as the staff was concerned. The board had determined to do something worthy of the district and he thought they had been successful. The new' station was a credit to Sydenham. They wanted the staff at Sydenham to live in more congenial surroundings, and he welcomed the men to their new' quarters. Following on the official opening, a representative gathering of members of various local bodies was conducted over the building, afterwards meeting informally in the recreation room, where supper was served and a number of speeches made. The Mayor, Mr J. K. Archer, con-

gratulatcd the Fire Brigade on putting up the fine building. It would serve not merely for Sydenham, but for the whole of South Christchurch from Woolston to Lincoln Road. He , hoped in the interests of the district that the old brigade premises would be utilised for library purposes. Mr K. J. Howard, M.P., stressed the fact that the Sydenham section of the brigade served a district of wooden buildings, the residences of the workers. The brigade there was called upon to look after the safety of the women and children living in the district. He also referred to the services of Colonel Cooper, one of the original members of the Christchurch Fire Board.

“ It is a matter for congratulation to the members of the brigade that they have such comfortable quarters,” said Mr 11. Holland, M.P. In a brief speech he commented on the excellence of design and construction of the new building. Other speakers were Colonel C. J. Cooper, Mr Rusbridge, another old member of the Fire Board, Mr W. W. Scarff, representing the Heathcote County, Fire Superintendent Warner, Mr Da we, for the architects, Mr W. H. Hammett, for the contractors, and Superintendent E. Eales, representing the police. Proceedings closed with the National Anthem.

The new station is an imposing building of the modern classic type, which is considered particularly suitable for fire brigade building purposes. The men are provided with separate and comfortabe sleeping rooms, opening into the main floor where the firefighting appliances are kept. The mess room and kitchen arrangements are of the highest class. On the upper floor a commodious recreation room is situated, among other apartments. Messrs Dawe and Willis were the architects, and J. Hammett and Son the contractors.