FIRE SERVICES OF NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 230, 26 June 1944, Page 6

FIRE SERVICES OF NEW ZEALAND

Post-War Reorganization USE OF EMERGENCY PLANT

AND EQUIPMENT

An outline of proposals that are being considered in connexion with post-war reorganization of the lire services of New Zealand was given in a letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, which was before the Wellington Fire Board at its recent meeting. This stated that a proportion of the fire-fighting plant and. equipment- purchased for emergency purposes would be made available for the general improvement of fire services and the protection of Government property. . . , “The supply of this material, the cost of which probably approximates the total value of the existing fire brigade equipment. should very greatly improve the efficiency of the fire service,” wrote the Minister. "It is proposed to distribute it on as wide an allocation basis as possible. determined after consultation with all the interests concerned. In order, however, that the maximum value may lie obtained from the Government concession, it it considered that the supply should he contingent on the acceptance by the fire service of the general policy set out below: — “(1) That the plant and equipment be handed over on permanent loan to the brigade controlling authorities, subject to compliance with conditions prescribed. “(2) That the plant and equipment be utilized for the improvement of the existing fire service, and not in replacement of the normal rennirements of the service. “(3) That definite arrangements be made for the reinforcement system to operate between brigades, both for emergency purposes and at serious fires, whether inside or outside a fire district.

“(4) That fire-fighting equipment be standardized. “(5) That brigade training be standardized. nt least to the extent necessary for combined brigade operations. “(6) That a guarantee be given, enforceable by arbitration or some other approved method, that a reasonable standard of efficiency will be maintained in the individual centre with respect to general organization, maintenance of equipment, and training of personnel. “(7) That a contribution be made by the insurance companies toward the cost of the fire protection organization in .all reticulated areas where a fire protection organization of approved standard is maintained.

“(8) That except in the large centres, or where a number of local authorities districts are concerned, tiie control of the fire service be in the hands of. the municipality, but subject to modifications of existing legislation, incorporating the principal provision of the Fire Brigade Act. 1936.” The Minister added that it was desired that careful considft-ation be giveh to- the proposals, and. if the general principles laid down w.ere acceptable, he would be glad if the respective executives would discuss with the Inspector of Fire Brigades the proposed allocation of plant and equipment, and let him have their recommendations. The chairman. Mr. S. S. Dean, said lie could see a lot of benefit, and perhaps a lot of trouble, in the' proposals, bnt on the .whole he did not think they would affect Wellington to any great extent.

Tn answer to a question. Superintendent Woolley said that he had in store about 20 miles of Government hose. He knew that some of the enuipment which had been imported by the Government had already been sent overseas for use elsewhere. Mr. Dean said that before the next meeting of the board other bodies would be considering the proposals in the letter, among them the executive of the Fire Brigades Association, which was to assemble in Wellington on July 3. He would also like the United Fire Brigades Association to meet about Hie same time.