NEED FOR FIREMEN

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 285, 31 August 1942, Page 6

NEED FOR FIREMEN

Appeal Board’s Attitude

Criticized

Outspoken criticism of alleged lack of appreciation by the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board of the necessity for maintaining the strength of the Whangarei Fire Brigade to protect uie interests of the town in the event of an enemy attack was made by members of the Whangarei Fire Board last week. The discussion was also concerned wita the resignation of the deputy-superin-tendent, Mr. F. Reynolds, as an outcome of the dismissal of appeals for firemen called for service.' Efforts made to retain firemen were detailed by the chairman, Mr. IL C. .Rishworth, who said it had been decided that the personnel of the brigade should be raised to 50 to meet requiremeats, but trouble had then been experienced. Appeals for firemen had been dismissed and a rehearing bad been declined, while representations to the authorities at Wellington had not been productive of assistance. It seemed almost impossible to make the Armed Forces Appeal Board realize the position of the brigade. Mr. R. V. Thompson said that firemen would be the first in the line in the event of an attack, which was sure to be in the form of incendiary bombs. “I feel that there is a principle at stake, not only in Whangarei, but also in New Zealand,” said Mr. Reynolds, explaining his resignation. “As a ratepayer I feel that 50 firemen are needed in‘this town.” The board gave Messrs. Macdonald and White authority to. discuss the position with the district controller, and Mr. Reynolds consented to defer his resignation till after the question had been settled.