N.Z. MASTER PLUMBERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2999, 9 February 1917, Page 6

N.Z. MASTER PLUMBERS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The whole of yesterday morning's session of the conference of the New Zealand Master Plumbers' Federation was devoted to a, discussion on imwel sanitary by-laws. After a long discussion the model by-laws were amended in several directions, and in that form will be submitted to the Plumbers' Board for approval. At the morning session the following two remits, which wero taken together, were tho subject of a lengthy and earnest discussion:— "That the theory of fires being caused- through hot-water pipes in domestic supply being in contact with woodwork, as advanced by a fire authority in tho South Island, is not borne out by facts. In the opinion of this conference there is reason to believe that faulty brickwork is more likely to be the cause of fires around the kitchen range, more stringent inspection being necessary." "As statements have been publicly made by representatives of insurance companies and fire boards that a large percentage of fires are.caused through hot-water supply pipes in domestic supply system not being insulated and kept' clear of woodwork, it is advisable in tho interest of our trade to consider if this is a fact, and what precaution should be taken to rectify such." The remits were moved by Mr. T. Horning, who combated the statements that had been made about the danger of hot-water pipes. •Mr. Foster, who stated that he was the member of a fire brigade, said that those who were in a position to know recognised that there was little danger from fire from liot-watcv pipes being in contact with wood-work. Tho evidcnco available went to show that fires were caused through defective brickwork. During the discussion Mr. Charles Mack rend a paper on the subject, nnd finally it was moved by Mr. Horning: "That this conference, having heard Mr. CV Mack's paper, considers it a full nnsw;er to Remit 15 the first one quoted above)." This wns carried. The conference will resume at 10 a.m. to-day. This afternoon tho delegates mid their lady friends will visit Day's Bay.on pleasure bent. At 7.30 this evening the new president will be installed ■in. office, and at 8 p.m. a social evening at Godber's Rooms, in Courtenay Place, ■will be inaugurated as a finale to the', conference.