FIRE CONTROL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 288, 28 March 1941, Page 5

FIRE CONTROL

BUSINESSMEN" ADDRESSED PREVENTION MOS T IMPORTANT "This is a most appropriate time to discuss such work as it has great prominence in war defence. and the measures of England are being adopted throughout the Empire." With these remarks Mr J. Creeke introduced his address on Fire Control at the meeting of the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce held on Monday last. Mr Creeke's address received an attentive hearing and following his concluding remarks the president of the Chamber, Mr W. Sullivan, expressed thanks for the information imparted and expressed the hope that at a future date the speaker would again address a meeting. Control of Service. Mr Creeke's early remarks concerned the system under Avhich Fire Brigades Avere controlled. There were where the control was exercised by the municipal council and the other Avas under the jurisdiction of the Fire Brigades' Act. He his opinion that the latter scheme Avas the better and he was pleased that it had been adopted in Whakatane. "Municipal authorities too often look upon a Fire Brigade as more of a public nuisance than anything,' 1 he said, "and do not estimate enough expenditure for fire purposes—if there is any pruning to be done in estimates it is usually the fire serA r ice that has to suffer." He gaA'e instances bearing out his statements Avhere loss had occurred through municipalities having neglected to keep plant up to date. Copied from England. The system under the Fire Brigades' Act Avas one adopted from England. This had been copied in I inost parts of the Empire and had been amended to suit NeAV Zealand conditions. The Fire Boards undei the Act Avere then formed of members of local authority and representatiA'cs of Insurance Companies. The men were then very keen on their Avork, the members of the council being selected for their keenness Avhile Insurance men were., of- course, duty bound to bring the fire fighting service to the highest efficiency.

"It is essential to have the best of equipment," he said. "The volunteers are there for the benefit, of the community and if the equipment is not good then they will lose their enthusiasm. The local Brigade has a standard of efficiency worthy of congratulation—although the external appearance of the station is not one hundred per cent," he added. Social Conditions'. Mr Creeke continued to add that the social conditions provided for the Whakatane Brigade .were splendid and this aspect was important as good social conditions encouraged the men to spend a great deal of their time at the Station. Referring to equipment, the speaker recommended English materials and equipment as the best for fire purposes. England had made a great study of fire fighting and arrived at a high standard of efficiency. He was pleased to see that the best hose was used by Whakatane and also pleased to find that the personnel of the Brigade was enthusiastic and worked in complete harmony. He stressed the need for having the right type of men as members and men who were amenable to discipline. Fire Prevention. "Fire Prevention" was quoted by Mr Creeke as a new system of control introduced from America which country he said, headed the world in fire loss with New Zealand being second highest. The fire loss in this country had been enormous but with the introduction of the American system had" been much improved

Caused by Carelessness. The speaker quoted figures showing the tremendous fire loss in the Dominion which was over £300,000 last 3 r ear. "That is a enormous amount of money to go up in smoke every year," he remarked, "and practically the whole loss—oo per cent—is the result of carelessness, the other ten per cent being caused through arson, get-rich-quick people and a small percentage by reasons beyond the scope of man."

The carelessness of people made the Fire Prevention scheme very desirable and was formed with the idea of educating people against

carelessness in the homes. This was now part of the fireman's Avork. Inspection corps made tours and gave advice to people.

Not Popular at First. At first this scheme had not been well received but now people had learned to appreciate the system and practically all big firms ha.l emergency equipment of their own. Similarly in the initial stages it had not been well received by schools, but now the instruction was looked for—at least that was so in Wellington where the speaker had gained his experience. It had been, he said, easy to interest the children and remarkable results had been obtained . Mr Creeke continued to give instances of individual carelessness, remarking that the indifference of people in their own homes was the greatest danger. "If the small things are looked after, then the big things will take care of themselves."

In conclusion the speaker detailed a number of causes of fires which happened in private homes stressing the need for more care by the individual.

Local Fire Board

At the conclusion of Mr Creeke's address, Mr S. S. Sliapley, chairman of the Fire Board, referred to the local organisation, stating that the Board consisted of tAvo Insurance representatives, one Government member and two Borough Councillors. The Board spent from £500 to £600 per annum and was iioav Avell equipped having 1500 feet of good hose to Avhich it Avas hoped to add further lengths. It Avas also desired to bring the station up-to-date.

Mr Shapley continued to say that the personnel and supervision of the Brigade Avas first class. "Being the first to serA-e their country during peace time our men have also been in the first to serA*e during Avar Avith the result that the number of members of the Brigade is noAv only 17." The Brigade's superintendent Avas now also engaged in training men as auxiliary firemen under the Emergency Precautions Scheme.

Superintendent's Remarks,

"We have liad quite a battle to get volunteers here for the auxiliary force,"said Mr F. H. Stewart, superintendent of the local Brigade, "but I cannot understand Avhy that is so as the work is very interesting. However, the position is better now and I am training ten men besides the regular Brigade. It is better to get the men in quietly but willingly as they take then the keen interest necessary."

Mr Stewart continued to give a resume of the organisation he had done in connection with Emergency Precautions, and revealed that the organisation in the town well advanced .

Appreciation of the excellent work the local Brigade and Mr Stewart were doing was expressed by the chairman, and he asked Mr Stewart to convey to the members of the brigade the message.