FIRES BRIGADES' ACT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81917, 5 February 1907, Page 2

FIRES BRIGADES' ACT

explained by attorney, general. Per Press Association. Wellington, February i. Interviewed respecting the Fire lirigades' Act, the Hon. Dr. Findlay states that when the regulations arc rallied, jthey will be submitted to experts, and while tins is being done, tho government will consider the question if appointing members of Fire Boards tor each district. Tho Act provides that there is to be a Fire District for jack of the cities of Auckland, Wei. lington, Christckarck, and Dunedin, ind for any other place that may be leclnred by the Governor-m-Council to oe a lire district. Each board is to ■onsist of seven members: one ap. pointed by tke Government, three by tho insurance companies, and three by the local authority for tho district. Tho Act , Dr. Findlay continued, marks a cardinal change in the control of firo brigaacs in this colony. By section 31, the brigades pass under the control of tke new boards, with all land and plant. Tke price to bo paid for tke plant is to be agreed to between the board and the municipality concerned, and if an amicablo arrangement cannot be arrived at, the amount is to be settled by arbitration. As to tke financial aspect, Dr. FindJny says on >r before the 30th of June every year, he Board will have to submit to tko Minister for his approval, an estimate of the probable expenditure necessary for the administration of the Act in its district for the following year, and when approved, tho amount will bo paid in tho following proportions:— flic Government will contribute a share based on the assumption that its property in the district is subject to the payment of rates ; the; remainder " ill be contributed in equal proportions by tho insurance companies insuring property withm tho fire district, and by tho local authority. The amount payable by each insurance comyany will be pro rata to its gross premium receipts for tko previous year.