FIRE BRIGADES BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2214, 18 October 1907, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADES BILL.

(Special to Times.)

AVELLINGTON, Oct. 17

The latest Fire Brigades Bill is intended mainly to consolidate the provisions of tho Fire Brigades Act, 1896, and the Bill which passed its second reading in tlie Legislative Council some little time ago. Some of its clauses, however, are new and some are of the nature of amendments. Certain omissions of the clauses, relating to the machinery of the Fire Boards, are made good by clauses which disqualify members on the ground of bankruptcy, crime, or insanity or absence from three consecutive meetings. It is provided that resignations shall be made in writing and tho Governor may appoint, a member when the local authority or fire insurance companies fail to do so. The financial clauses are modified by providing that the Fire Board’s annual estimate shall include not only the recurrent annual expenditure but also the capital expenditure on the property, which, however, may, with the Minister’s consent, bo spread over a number of years. The estimate may include tlie amount of any deficiency, and shall take account of any surplus. The clause dealing with the contributions of tho insurance companies has a new sub-clause providing that re-insurance premiums shall be included in the returns on which the proportions of contributions to bo paid by the different companies are computed. A Board may borrow money by way of bank draft or otherwise, and may, with the consent of the Aiinister, mortgage its property as security, hut its borrowing may not. exceed half of the estimated expenditure for the current year. The clause which vested fire prevention property held otherwise. than by a local authority in the Board is struck out, but a new clause is introduced to give the Board power to purchase or lease real and personal property. It was previously provided that when mortgaged property is vested in or, transferred to a. Board, it shall become liable for the attendant charges. The clause as now amended directs that- the local authority shall indemnify the Board against any such liability. Tbe Boards are to bo allowed to charge fees lor fire escape inspection. At fire inquests the "Boards may have representatives with power to crossexamine witnesses. To give a false alarm of fire is an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding £SO, such fins to lie paid to the Fire Board. The Board may pay the travelling expenses of members. »