N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1932, Page 5

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

BILLS INTRODUCED

FIRE BRIGADES’ AMENDMENT. (Per Press Association Copyright.) . WELLINGTON, November 30. In the Legislative Council yesterday, the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill was read <a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. In the House of Representatives Hon. A. Hamilton gave notice of his intention to introduce the Local Body Officers Bill iaind Hon. A. Ngata to introduce the 'Cook Island Amendment Bill.

Amendments to the Mortgagors and Tenants Further Relief Bill were introduced by Governor-General's message and referred to committee, and tlie ’ Bill was. put through the remaining stages 'and passed.* Two washing up bills, Local Legislation Bill, and Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill, were introduced by Governor-General’s message 'and read a first time. \

The Fire Brigades Amendment Bill which provided facilities for the amalgamation of fire districts, was also introduced by Governor-General’s message and read a first time. Progress was made with, the committee stage of the H<|pitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill, but it was, delayed by a lengthy discussion on ia clause providing for power by Order-on-Oouncil, following a recommendation by a commission for the closing of institutions, and restricting forms of relief. This clause was still before the House when it rose a,t midnight.

The Fir© Brigades Amendment Bill provides for • the .establishment -of United Fire Districts. It is- to he brought about by the amalgamation of two or more local areas. . - The .united districts are to be constituted by Order-in-Oounedl, on an application by th© several districts concerned, after a poll of the .ratepayers has been taken. It is proposed that the . fire board of the united districts shall consist of one member to b© appointed by the Governor-General, not less than two and not more than four representatives of th© local! authorities -concerned, 'and an equal number of representatives of the Insurance Companies carrying on business ,in the district. The officers of the board in charge of the control of the moneys are to be required to give such security for such-as are. in their charge as the Board may require. In regal’d to the disqualification of members of tlie Fir© Boards, an amendment is promised on the lines.of that in the Hospitals and. Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill. Under the clausa a member wUI not h© disqualified if any contract he makes with the board does not exceed £lO, or £25 altogether in 'any one year. On the application of a Board, however, the Audit Office may approve in special cases of the making of contracts up to £SO. The previous limits were £5 for one contract, or £lO in the aggregate in any one year. Commencing from next year, the date for biennial election of fire boards is altered from February to May, and the date of the annual meeting from March to April. The Bill proposes in another clause that, in addition to the Fire Board contracting with contiguous local authorities for fire protection purposes, an owner of property outside a fire district may make an agreement with a Fir e Board for 'a similar purpose.' It is proposed to empower Fire Boards to offer rewards up to £5 for. the conviction of persons, giving false alarms. .