FIRE-FIGHTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1932, Page 7

FIRE-FIGHTERS

CO.NTROL OF N.Z. BRIGADES.

EX-FIRE CHIEF’S COMMENT,

WELLINGTON,. August 27

Recent criticism concerning , control of New Zealand fire brigades was commented on by Captain Hugo, late inspector of-fire .brigades, and for many years superintendent, of the Wellington Fiye Brigade. , Captain Hugo based his 'remarks :on a recently-published statement which alleged absence of cooperation between the brigades, and which concluded : , “It is astonishing to learn that at thi,s stage, after decades of Government-inspection and fire brigade conferences and-competitions, equipment is not standardised.” “To one Conversant Wifli: the provisions of the.'t’iFd' Brigades Act/ as also 1 with the standing of the United Fire Brigades Association ill. its relation to the brigades,’ 1 said Captain Hugo, “there is reason for astonishment that both the Department of Internal Affairs, in its administration- of the Act. ancl the association have been able t< accomplish-as much as,they have to ward standardisation of equipment and increasing the efficiency of the brigades.

“The association has no authority whatever over the operations of the brigades or their equipment, but, during recent years, having control of the competition conditions,, by means of ■specifying the plant and appliances to be used, the introduction of modern methods of drill in the competition events and their carrying out in a strictly practical manner, etc., it has undoubtedly improved the fire fighting efficiency of the brigades, and in - this matter has gone to the full extent of it> authority. What may be considered as some little tribute to the effectiveness of the New Zealand competitions lies in the. fact that the National Fire Brigades Union of Great Britain has for seme time past been endeavouring !to include in its competition events 1 certain practical conditions that have been a feature of the New Zealand com petitions for years past.

“As- in the case of the association the Department of Internal Affairs has no mandatory authority over the fire boards or over the brigades workihf under their control, its status being almost entirely advisory.”