STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1921, Page 5

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES.

DANGER IN BUSINESS AREA. THE ELEMENT OF RISK. The storage of dangerous goods, such as benzine, within the borough of New Plymouth was brought before the Borough Council last night. The deputy chief inspector of explosives wrote: “Mr. H. Welton, inspector of explosives, who has recently paid an official visit to New Plymouth,, reports that very considerable quantities of dangerous goods are stored within the business portion of the town, and that an application is under consideration, from Mr. J. McNeil, grocer, tor tne storage of from 3000 to 7000 cases of benzine. The situation of most of these stores and the proposed store referred to are in accordance with the table of distances contained in the regulations. “1 would point out to your council that the storage of such large quantities of dangerous goods in this part of the town involves a certain element of risk, due to the constant handling of the goods in the main traffic streets. It is. therefore, a matter for consideration ■by your council whether it is advisable to restrict the quantity that may be stored in this area. I may say that this is a very general practice in cities, and wholesale stores for dangerous goods are generally required to be kept cutside the business portion of the town, usually the brick area.” The Mayor said it was a case of the Government bringing in new regulations and undertaking the control of the matter, and then placing the onus of responsibility on the council. It would have been better, he said, had municipal control not been interfered? with. Consideration of the matter was deferred.