RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31083, 11 June 1966, Page 21

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Water Supply To Continue

“Is it a question of putting money before service and safety?” asked the actingchairman (Cr. D. H. Warren), when the Paparua County Council discussed continuing the supply of fire-fighting water outside the reticulated area.

The council, after being told that there was a feeling that the service was too costly, decided to continue it. Cr. L. J. Cutler said the council had an obligation to provide water, and to keep a supply up to volunteer brigades. The clerk (Mr A. Kelly) said he had told the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board of the council’s concern at having to make available a supply of water outside high-pressure areas. With extension of the reticulation, very little of the fire district was without water, and generally here, stock water-races were handy. The board, said Mr Kelly, had maintained that the council should supply water, as was done by other local bodies. It was suggested that static water sources should be created. The board had no authority to insist, but the council had an obligation.

Cr. J. U. Barclay said the stand-by service, tanker and volunteer brigades would cost the council £3OOO or £4OOO, plus £7OOO paid to the fire board.