OHOPE RATEPAYERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 101, 15 December 1939, Page 5

OHOPE RATEPAYERS

' QUESTION OF FIRE PROTECTION

j DISCUSSION AT MEETING

Thoragh tlie attendance at the special meeting of Ohope ratepayers last Tuesday evening was disappoint ing, the discussion was definitely of • a progressive nature, and it is anticipated that much good will result. Called at the instigation of the Rate payers Association for the purpose < of meeting Mr H. C. 'JcCready, ridding representative on the Whakatanc Council, the business of the ; gathering was primarily to discuss •.and investigate the possibilities of introducing certain measures to comi bat the fire menace.

V Mr P. Bullen presided and invited all present to take part in the • discussion.

Mr McCready said he had heard a lot of complaints about the danger of fire, and the alleged shortcomings of the council, he was therefore glad to be present and afford the ratepayers an opportunity of airing their : grievances and clearing the air. At "the last meeting of the County Coun cil it had been definitely agreed that something should be done to protect the bush at Ohope from fire, ■and suggested the appointment of responsible people living at Ohope .as Fire Wardens.

The chairman said that the repeated inroads into the bush by fire had .•seriously denuded the resort of much of Its natural charm and unless something was done to protect the remainder it was only a matter of time before the pohutukawas would all disappear. It would be a wicked thing to see this happen. He asked what powers the fire wardens would have.

The County Engineer, Mr Brebner, said he would be- vested with power to investigate all fires, and to order their supression if he considered them dangerous or threatening. He could actually refuse to allow a fire to be lighted within 60ft of a road.

On the motion of Mr Greagor, it was decided to approach the County Council urging the appointment of a special officer to act as fire inspector during the forthcoming holidays

The matter of permanent wardens, was discussed and it was decided to appoint a small sub-commit-ter, consisting of Messrs.Bullen, Bushett and G. Mahy to approach suitable residents and submit their names to the next meeting of the council. Danger From Picnickers. The newly formed track in the reserve was mentioned by Messrs Donaldson and Geagor, who pointed out the danger to the bush and the reservoir if people were permitted to wander at random through the area. Mr McCready agreed that the area should be protected and it was decided to recommend to the council that it be fenced off and that a notice be erected warning against tres- - passing. Increased v Parking Area. Mr Runnerstrum pointed out the -necessity for greater car accommodation during the holiday season. Each year he said, brought an increased number of motorists and unless facilities were provided it would present a major problem. On his motion it was agreed to recommend that the county provide a greater parking area for cars. A further -suggestion that the open culverts across the roadway should be concreted will be brought before the council by the district's representative. Another recommendation will be that white guide posts be erected -at the corners of the culverts at the -_foot of the Beach Road.