BRIGADE STAFF

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1939, Page 7

BRIGADE STAFF

MORE AUXILIARY MEN TO BE ENGAGED ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION NECESSARY. FIRE-FIGHTING AS A CAREER. Proposals are at present in hand for the strengthening of the Masterton Fire Brigade by providing additional accommodation at the station for a further four residential auxiliary firemen. This will bring the total strength of the brigade to 25 men, comprised of seven permanent men, eight residential auxiliaries and ten outside auxiliaries. In conversation with a “Times-Age" representative this morning, the Superintendent, Mr T. B. Clark, said an additional four residential auxiliary men would enable sufficient men to be in readiness for manning both the first and second machines in the event of a call, so that they could be despatched promptly to a fire. That would enable the machines to get to work while the outside auxiliary men were arriving. Alterations would be made at the rear of the station to provide bedrooms for the additional staff and a hot water service to meet the demands of the staff would be installed.

Passing on_to refer to the duties and remuneration attached to the residential and outside auxiliary firemen’s positions, Mr Clark said the residential men were paid for all work carried out while on duty. They received 2s per night when on station duty, which was every alternative night and in addition, if a call occurred, received 2s 6d per hour or every part thereof for services at a fire. The latter payment was also made to the outside auxiliary men. All members of the auxiliary staff (residential and outside) received a retainer of £5 per year and uniforms and all were required to do duty at theatres according to the roster for the month. Payment for ' attendance at theatres was at the rate of 3s per performance. The latter duties were concerned with' the carrying out of Government regulations and borough bylaws relating to smoking, overcrowding, obstructions, etc. Salvage duty, which was also allotted to the auxiliary staff, was paid for at the rate of 3s per hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 4s pei- hour between 5 p.m./ and 8 a.m. Residential auxiliaries were provided with a room, bed and bedding free.. There were ample facilities for recreation, such as a billiard table, . library, radio and many other games. “Auxiliary men in the service showing” any aptitude for the work will be given the first opportunity of joining the permanent staff when any vacancies occur,” said Mr Clark, who added that it was necessary, in that event, that they should be the .holders of a motor drivers’ licence. Every encouragement for study was given to men wishing to take up a career as a fireman. Firefighting today was much more scientific than it was some years ago and the time was arriving when permanent men in the brigade with the necessary qualifications might be required for positions elsewhere. Recent alterations to the watchroom were carried out by the permanent staff, which was also entrusted with the maintenance of the station, the equipment, which was second to none and the fire alarm system.