FIRE PROTECTION.

Shannon News, 11 March 1927, Page 3

FIRE PROTECTION.

DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL. CANVASS TO BE MADE FOR DONATIONS^ At a meeting of citizens and members of the Borough Council held last week to .discuss the question of purchasing fire-fighting appliances for the Borough, a motion was carried, "That the Council be authorised to procure the necessary fire fighting appliances for the whole of the borough. Hose, hydrants, etc., required for the district served by the 6-mch mains to be procured forthwith and the fitting up of the rest of the Borough be proceeded with at the earliest possible date." At the Borough Council meeting on Tuesday evening the .motion was referred to by the Mayor, who asked for the opinion of councillors. , Cr. Downes said to his mind the motion was ridiculous. To put it into effect, either 4-inch pipes would have to be laid down over the whole of theborough or sumps constructed and pumping engine purchased. Eithei would entail heavy expenditure. As regards the Council purchasing immed-, iately hose, hydrants, etc., for the area served by the 6-ineh mains, he did not consider this right as it would mean those living on the outside of this area would be assisting to pay for something from which they derived no benefit. He was not in favour of the Council bearing the cost of the lot, _ and would strongly oppose it, both in the Council and on the election platform He was in favour of the Council's suggestion to subsidise £1 for £l. Cr. Thwaites agreeing with the previous speaker, raid the concrete tanks, unless of vast size,' would not be of much use, as an engine would pump them dry in no time. Anything that would be serviceable would cost a lot of money. He thought the cost of a fire engine would be an eye opener to many. As regards the pipes the time will come when they would have to be relaid. He had voted for the motion for the reason that it embodied what, the Council had suggested. He felt certain that those people in the area that can be served would not refuse to contribute. If the Council subsidise the amount, he was sure they could collect 50 per cent, of the cost. Cr. Richards said the meeting had no idea of the cost of the whole scheme, but he thought their main idea was that the Council should purchase the plant suggested. Cr. Downes: The Council is prepared to gO 50/50 towards the cost of the plant. Are we going to be swayed, he said, by a few citizens who are only similar in numbers to the Council. He held he was" safe in saying only half of them were ratepayers.

Cr. Hook stated he supported the Council's scheme, as he considered it is the'only step that can be taken under the present condition of the mains. He favoured a suggestion to canvass for donations i-nd the Council contribute £1 for £L. In this he was supported by the Mayor and Cr. Richards son.

The latter then moved and Cr. Downes seconded, "That a canvass be made for donations from those persons who can be served by the present mains and that the Council contribute £1 for £1 up to £SO towards the amount collected."

The original motion carried at the previous Council meeting was then rescinded in favour of Cr. Richardson's motion. On the latter being put to the vote it was carried unanimously.

Cr. Thwaites ad Hyde were authorised to canvass for donations. So that consideration for those residing outside the area will not be lost sight of Cr,. Downes moved and Cr. Thwaites seconded, "That it be a recommendation to the incoming Council to go into the cost of extending the 4-ineh mains for fire protection and the tank and engine system.''—Carried.