FIRE BRIGADES’ ASSOCIATION.

Otaki Mail, 10 February 1919, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADES’ ASSOCIATION.

At a meeting of tlie members of tiio Otaki'. Fire - Brigade on Wednesday night it was decided to support the following, and to ask the Otaki Town Board to do all it could to further the matter:— That, with a view to all brigades receiving their just dues from .the insurance companies, aud with the object of thoroughly equipping all brigades, theprinciple of insurance companies contributing their share of the upkeep of all brigades is approved of by the United Fire Brigades’ Association as just, fair aud equiable. Proposed Amendments to Fire Brigades Act. ■ 1. Constitution of Boards: One representative each from the Government, local governing body, insurance companies, and one to be elected by the fire brigade. Note.—Brigades to have ■ representation on boards in return for services rendered, and such representation - shall be equal to that of insurance companies . aud local bodies,‘where service is rendered voluntary.

2. Contributions to upkeep of volunteer brigades shall be-based on capital value. Provision is to be made for unimproved value ratings. Provision shall be made for all brigades outside of present Fire Brigades Act, to receive the benefits of the amended Act. S. Contributions, to be-levied as follows: Equal third - shares-to. Government, local governing-body, and insurance companies. Note.—Government contribution is based bn tlie praetiea oft most of the States'- of <tko- v 'Common’’ wealth. ' 4. Payment of contributions shall be subject- to a certificate of efficiency, being issued by a Government fire inspector. 5. All contributions to be assessed and paid to brigades through- the board secretary.

6. Ordinary dues by the United Fire Brigades’ Association to be a legitimate charge in the annual assessment for the maintenance of tlie brigades, and provision shall be made in the estimates for providing means of recreation for members of brigades, aud for payment of expenses of members of brigades attending any demonstration or conference of the United Fire Brigades’ Association. -7, 7. Where Brigade Owns Plant.—On the formation of a board in a district whore the plant is owned by the brigade,’ a valuation shall be mado, and made a charge upon the board. Money to bo paid into a separate account controlled by the brigade, and such moneys shall be expended for the benefit of the brigade. Where local body owns the plant, same steps shall be taken as’ provided for in the present Act. S. The appointment of chief and; second officers shall bo subject to the approval of the board. A majority of the board may for good cause determine any appointment of the aforesaid officers, provided that any technical disputes may bo enquired into by the Government inspecting officer. S'. Disputes.—ln the ease of any disputes on technical matters as between the board and its officers, or the board aud (he brigade, or in any question or dispute as to the efficiency of any brigade, the matter may ba enquired into by the Government inspecting officer, who shall report to the Minister, and his decision shall be final. 10. The estimates for the year shall be submitted to the Minister for approval before coming into force. Such estimates shall include all capital expenditure or loans for that purpose. 11. Authority shall be given to make by-laws for’ the government of the bri-' gades. . That, in the event of the Fire Brigades Act not being amended as outlined, the Government bo asked to amend the Municipal Corporations and Counties Act, 190 S, with a view of compelling insurance companies to contri-’ bute to the support of all fire brigades. At the last meeting of the- Town Board it was decided to give the matter support.