LOSSES BY FIRE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21418, 9 March 1935, Page 9

LOSSES BY FIRE

DECREASE IN RECENT YEARS PREVENTION WORK TO BE CONTINUED STATEMENT BY SIR ALEXANDER YOUNG [From Our Own Reporter.J WELLINGTON, March 8. The effectiveness of the fire prevention work in New Zealand in the last few years has led to a decision by the Department of Internal Affairs to continue the plan of operations begun three or four years ago, according to a statement made to-day by the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon. Sir Alexander Young. Sir Alexander said that one of the main factors in the success of the movement for the prevention of fires in the Dominion had been the public's appreciation of the great losses both the country and the individual had suffered through the destruction by fire of valuable residential and business properties. Evidence of the striking response to the educational and publicity work which was emphasised by the displays and demonstrations given by the fire brigades in "Fire Prevention Week" was contained in statistics placed before the Minister by the inspector of fire brigades. In 1931—the year of the first "fire prevention week" —the fire loss of the Dominion was £1,292,094. The succeeding years showed a substantial decrease in the Dominion lire wastage, the loss for the year 1933 being £644,781, or less than half of that previously experienced. As a result of representations received it had been decided to hold the "fire prevention week" this year on March 18 to 23. and the necessary preparations were now being made. Reduced Premiums "One important result of the improved position in fire wastage which will appeal to most people is that insurance premiums have been reduced," said Sir Alexander. "There duction in premiums which became effective last year would have been impossible but for the reduction in fire losses. The cutting in half of the Dominion's fire losses more than justifies the continuance of the fire prevention effort, and if further improvement can be shown, or even if the loss can be maintained at the 1933 figure, the movement will be entitled to take its place with other prevention work, such as that carried out by the Plunket Society. "I have written to local authorities and fire boards requesting their cooperation in the renewed campaign. So far as local authorities are concerned the operations consist largely of a clean-up programme, which will also have valuable results from the point of view of public health. The fire brigades of the Dominion are cooperating fully, and at the recent conference at Blenheim arrangements were made for all the brigades to hold demonstrations, and for the firemen to distribute the publicity matter which is being circulated during the 'week.'" Appeal to Business Men The Minister made a special appeal to business men to co-operate in the work, which was entirely in their own interests. Arrangements had been rrtade to distribute a set of fire instructions containing standard information about fire prevention in business premises, and simple particulars of the action to be taken in the event of fire. These had been printed separately for each town, and contained particulars of the method of calling the local brigade and other local information. The instructions were of a permanent character, and it was desired that copies should be placed in all hotels, factories, shops, and office buildings, in a position where they could be readily seen by the employees. "I think all concerned," said Sir Alexander, "can be assured of an even greater success being achieved this year in the cutting down of the Dominion fire losses."