THE COST OF FIRES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 127, 29 April 1940, Page 6

THE COST OF FIRES.

It is a matter of importance that the annual loss from fire should be kept as low as possible. A survey for 1938 which has been issued by the Government Statistician unfortunately shows a higher loss than in the preceding twelve months, though the number of fires was fewer. Since 1933 a steady rise has been noted in the total number of fires recorded, though the loss, except for 1935, has been less each year. A proportion of 8.51 per cent, of the insured cover does not compare favourably with 5.60 in 1937. The loss in the period reviewed with fewer fires indicates extensive damage in quite a number of conflagrations when blocks of buildings were destroyed. Auckland and Christchurch shared the greater part of the increased loss, which in the latter city was three times Auckland’s total. Wellington had a small total of £3332. Dunedin’s being three times more. An examination of the origin of fires, wherever it. can be ascertained, leads to the official conclusion that many of them can he prevented. Carelessness, it is obvious, plays a large part in the annual loss. Defective chimneys, misuse of matches, inflammable material, and electricity, and carelessness in smoking all contribute to a loss much of which could be avoide'd with consequent material saving were proper care exercised. For the public to be fully educated in this matter is a national duty. A high loss from fires means the wastage of valuable assets, and money lias often to he used' in their replacement when it could be devoted lo more advantageous purposes. A high wastage also js responsible for high premiums, so that the country’s best interests will bo served by a downward rate of fire loss. In the lono; run everyone actually pays for the carelessness which in this manner is responsible for serious destruction of assets.