THE RULE OF THE ROAD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1921, Page 5

THE RULE OF THE ROAD.

FIRE BRIGADES’ RIGHTS. PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS. The desirability of fire brigades being given the right to the road was discussed at a meeting of the Christchurch Fire Board. The matter arose when the chairman said he had instructed the secretary to forward-letters of sympathy to the" Hamilton fire brigade in connection with the recent fatality. Mr. Hopkins said that he could not help thinking that when a brigade was called out to a fire, it should be given priority on the road. This was desirable from two points of view; first that it would enable the brigade to get to a fire quickly, the second that it would tend to avoid accidents. He had been told that at Jiancouver alarm bells placed at intervals of about a quarter of a mile along the streets rang to give warning of the brigade’s approach. Immediately the engine left the fire station a fireman pressed a button which rang the bells ,in the direction taken by the brigade. This was the signal for all vehicular traffic, including tramcars, to stop running At present the Christchurch brigade had no more right to the road than anyone else. Mr Holland said it was practically an unwritten law that brigades should have the rio-ht of the road. Mr. Burgoyne said that, a good deal of trouble was Caused because no one seemed to observe the rules of the road. Inspectors should be appointed to see that the rules were observed Mr. Cameron said the matter was one that should be considered at the next fire brigades conference.