PROPOSED FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2398, 28 February 1922, Page 2

PROPOSED FIRE BOARD.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON W* ' COUNCIL. J "V V At last night’s Council meeting a deputation consisting of members of AS the Fire Brigade waited on the Borough Council with a request that a poll of the ratepayers be taken to sanction a fire district and constitution of a Fire Board. Cr. Smith introduced the deputation. Superintendent Hamer thanked - the Council for allowing them the opportunity of putting before them their views on the matter, and called on Air Hornblow to outline the position. Mr Hornblow said that the Fire ' Brigade had discussed the matter with Inspector Hugo, and the details of the conference would be submitted to the Council. The Brigade desired to request the Council to submit the proposal to the ratepayers for decision.

The Brigade was indebed to the Council for what it had already done, but now that water was being laid on a fire scheme on modern lines must follow. The question was whether the Council should carry the whole responsibility and maintenance, or a Board be constituted which would distribute the expenttj* lure equally between the ratepayers, insurance companies and Government in terms of the Fire Brigades Act. If.a poll was taken the initnal expense in the event of the Board being constituted would be refunded to the Council. If the Council decided to sanction the request for a poll, then the Brigade would acquaint them with all the details prior to the poll. The Brigade had obtained Inspector Hugo’s estimate of ihc coital cost, which was £1,500. This estimate could be reduced under certain conditions. If the Council were going to proceed as they were now, then it was asking them to shoulder the whole burden, which would not be satisfactory or equitable. If a Board was constituted, it would cost the ratepayers, at the outside, £l5O per year, plus interest and sinking fund on initial capital cost. There was no fear of squandering by the Board, as it was made up of three representatives of the Council, one Government representative, and three insurance representatives.

Cr. Bryant asked if the constituting of a Board would mean the raising of the insurance rates.

Mr Hornblow pointed out that the tendency would be in the opposite direction. There had never been any increase in premiums where Boards had come into existence.-** Inspector Hugo’s estimate was then read.

Cr. Thompson asked if /he members of the Brigade were to be paid in the event of a Board being j formed. Superintendent Hamer said that the members had decided to oontimvjJp to act voluntarily.

The Mayor said he was pleased to see the enthusiasm in fire-prevention matters, even with the present inadequate appliances. Re salariesto members, he was glad that question had come up. It showed a good civic spirit. It was the spirit all should take up, for the gootf of their home town. The fire board having sole control opened possibilities. Personally he was in sympathy with the Brigade. Re site: There was a vacant site adjacent to the Town Hall which could probably be leased for a long period with right of renewal. They had already-a loan of £7OO for a building. As far as he could see, it was a good proposal. Mr Pearson pointed out that all equipment, etc., provided by the Council would be taken over by the Board, and the Council repaid. The Council could erect the building, which would be taken over by. the Board. V

The deputation .thanked the Council and withdrew.

The Mayor said that the matter' looked promising, but the Council should go into the question thoroughly. Cr. Walker said that re increase of premiums question, he knew from personal experience that premiums were decreased. Cr. Martin moved that the question of formation of Fire Board be put before the ratepayers, together with full particulars. The Mayor said that he would have to rule the motion out of order. They would have to consider the matter.

Cr." Martin said that there was no need to quibble over the matter. They were thoroughly conversant with the whole thing from what t&P deputation had given them. It to no use holding the matter up. Cr. Smith said that if the matter was decided on by the ratepayers no responsibility was placed on the Council. They would give any information necessary before the poll. Why hold the matter up? Cr. Martin then gave notice to move the motion at next Council meeting.