Expansion of Fire Service in Numbers And Plant Planned

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1942, Page 4

Expansion of Fire Service in Numbers And Plant Planned

Auckland, Aug. 2.6. A substantial increase in both the personnel and the equipment of the Emergency Fire Service was forecast by the Minister of Civil Defence. the Hon. W. A. Bodkin, before his departure for Wellington last night at the end of a two days' inspection of the metropolitan Emergency Precautions Service. It was recognised that while the direct protection of human life was a first consideration, said the Minister, the greatest possible measures had to be taken against fire, which was one of the most potent weapons of air attack on cities. Acting upon the expert advice which was now available to it, the Government would soon provide for more men and equipment where they were most needed. Mr. Bodkin said he had been glad to see that a good deal had been done at Auckland toward providing static water supplies for the fire-fighting services. He hoped that more would be done along this line, because experience in Britain had shown that high-explosive oomb." caused extensive damage to water mains "Undoubtedly the Emergency Prec-au tions Service at Auckland is more fuliy developed than in any other New Zealand centre," said the Minister. "It was clear to me that a great deal of thoughl and care had been put into the organisation of the service, and the personnel whom I saw were really keen. The tunnel system under Alberl Park ha? been very well planned and undoubtedly gives very full protection. Part >f it will also have a peace-time value if it is decided to construct a traffic tunnel through the hill. "Here, as in other plaaes. executiye officers and the rank and file complain that trained men are being ttken away for other duty. The Governmeni recognises the difficulties that this causes and is tryihg to put civ.l defence on as firm a basis as possible."