MAINTENANCE OF FIRE BRIGADES.

Kumara Times, Issue 2373, 7 April 1884, Page 3

MAINTENANCE OF FIRE BRIGADES.

At the meeting of the Borough Council on Thursday evening last, the following letter and enclosure on the question of the maintenance of fire brigades generally throughout the colony were read, and referred to the Finance Committee to bring np a report to next meeting of the Council: — The Town Clerk, Kumara. Sir—The Fire Underwriters Association of Dunedin having intimated to the City Council that they do not intend continuing the payment of the money annually granted since 1872 to the Corporation towards the maintenance of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, and as similar notice has been given to other municipalities it is probable all subsidies from fire insurance companies for fire brigade purposes wilL shortly cease throughout the colony. Therefore, I am instructed by the City Council of Dunedin to communicate with the different municipal corporations with a view of united action being taken in the matter of the maintenance of fire-brigades, and to request your co-operation in urging the Government at the next session of Parliament to iutroduce a bill requiring that the cost of maintaining fire brigades shall be shared in due proportion by municipalities, insurance companies, and the consolidated revenue of the colony. The New South Wales Government having lately settled the question of fire brigades by a legislative enactment, the principal provisions are given in the "Australian Insurance and Banking Record," and are enclosed for your information.

I have &c, Adam Gibson - , Town Clerk. Town Clerk's Office, Danedin, March 17,1884. NEW SOUTH WALES EIRE BRIGADES ACT. The provisions of this very important Act, which has now received the Governor's assent, are summarised by the "Insurance and Banking Record" as follows: The general management of all the brigades is vested in the board, to consist of a chairman appointed by Government, and five members—two beinf representatives from the municipalities of the city and near suburbs, two from the insurance companies, and one from the volunteer brigades ;' these members to hold office for two years and to be then eligible for re-election. The Government also appoint the superintendent, who takes supreme; command of all the brigades. Very large powers are conferred upon him, and he will, inter alia, have authority to destroy any building in order to stay a lire. This clause was strongly opposed, but eventually carried. Should such buildings be insured, the loss to be covered under the policies; but as no provision is made to compensate uniusured owners, it may be assumed the tendency of the bill will be to induce insurance. Eundri are to be contributed in equal proportions by the Government, the municipalities, and the companies; instalments payable quarterly commencing Ist January next; any contributory of the two hitter bodies failing to pay within 30 days to be liable to a penalty of £SO. Municipalities can levy a special rate. The quota of the insurance companies will be subscribed by each office in proportion to its risks within the metropolitan disI triet, cuu-ejit at; 31st December in each

year. A sworn return of such risks to be furnished to the Government within the mouth of January, under a penalty of £5 the day thereafter. The Board may appoint an inspector to verify the returns from the books of the companies. Steps are being taken to engage in America or England a first-class man for superintendent, the successful working of the Act depending so much upon the skill and competence of this officer. In the event of the electing bodies failing to appoint representatives to the Board within 14 days, the Governor is to fill up the vacancies.