STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 19 May 1917, Page 5

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

At the meeting of the Borough Council last night the report of the Engineer (Mr. J. S. Burgis), on the storage of benzine within the Boroug.h was read as follows;

“I have the honour to report having inspected the premises of the following .applicapts licenses for,, the storage of ; ben!fhie, and recommend that licenses be' granted provided-that the by-iaw: be complied withgas to The quantity stored in - the following cases:—Messrs R. Wilson and ' Co., Tui Street, and Dr. Sinclair, Main St. Particulars of premises in which the benzine is stored are as follows:—• Messrs R. Wilson and Co. —In motor | shed in Huia Street, not less than 45 jfeet from nearest building, and in | shed in Tui Street, not less than 50 feet from main store or dwelling. Dr. I Sinclair.—ln garage not less than 30 f. i . [ feet from nearest building occupied ! as a dwelling or store. Messrs Dal- ! • ° gety and Co. —In specially constructed building not less than 15 ~feet, from next building. Rev. Father Kmkoad. —ln , shed at end of outbuildings, no point of which is within 18 feet of the nearest building. Mr. V. deoils. —ln sheet iron case behind back wait of new picture theatre, the well being 25 feet high and the case not less than 23 feet from nearest wooden building.” Cr. Joblin inquired if there was no response from persons storing high explosives. The Town Clerk: No. Cr. Reid objected to the application of V. Nicholls being granted. The building in which benzine was to be stored was very awkwardly situated and hard to get at. The Inspector said the way into the store was from the back of the right-of-way. It was certainly a little awkward. Personally he thought it was as safe as any of the others. It was not likely the benzine would be set on fire in the case.

Cr. ReTd said he was of opinion that the license should not be granted to V. Nicholls, as he considered the building was not safe. The Inspector said he had refused to report until the building had been removed. This had now been done; ! in fact, had been done that afternoon, and he was satisfied it was now quite! safe.

Cr. Reid said ho did not desire to debar Nicholls getting a license. Ha was concerned chiefly for the safety of the town. He looked at it froiß the jioint of view of captain of til® Fire Brigade. His inspection >hact been made some four days ago, but after hearing the explanation, of the Inspector that the building had since been removed to a safer position he would withdraw his objection. The report was adopted.