DISSATISFACTION

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20507, 25 May 1938, Page 8

DISSATISFACTION

CHRISTCHURCH FIRE METHODS OF FIGHTING CRITICIBED INSURANCE COMPANY T/Jtflw' ACT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday The events which followed Monday morning’s disastrous Are took a new turn to-day when it was announced by Mr W. B. Honour, manager of Lloyd’s Insurance Company, that he intended to ask Superintendent A. Morrison, of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, for an explanation of the tactics adopted in combating the blaze. Mr Honour added that if the explanation were not satisfactory his company would exercise its right to ask for an inquest. It already had that course under consideration. Mr Honour said there were many points with which his company was not satisfied. It believed it had grounds for criticising the methods employed in fighting the fire. This not only applied to Monday morning’s conflagration but also to the £9OOO fire which occurred a few days previously at Messrs Weston Bros. “ If an inquest is brought about there should be a comprehensive order of ‘-reference,” Mr Honour added. “ In the public interest it should be determined whether or not the numerical strength of the brigade in Christchurch is sufficient to cope with a major outbreak. Though the number of men employed in Christchurch is 50 only 28 were available to fight the fire which caused so much damage on Monday morning. On that basis what chance would the brigade have against a fire following an earthquake.” * Unsatisfactory f •• Commenting on the statement made by Mr T. M. Charters, that the provisions of the firemen’s award prevented more men being employed to attack the fire, Mr Honour said he considered Mr Charters was “ barking up the wrong tree.” Either that or he was trying to divert attention from the main issue. If the policy of the board of not employing more men was the basic cause of the spread of the fire the public should be informed. Mr Honour declared that his company was looking on events from the public point of view and considered there were many unsatisfactory points that should be cleared up. In the meantime it did not have any specific charges to make, either against the Fire Board or the superintendent, but it would not be content until the points on which it differed with the board and Superintendent Morrison have been explained satisfactorily. FIREMEN INCENSED A SLUR ON THE MEN (By Telegxapn.—Press Association) DUNEDIN, Wednesday The opinion that Mr Charters, chairman of the Christchurch Fire Board is not conversant with the provisions of the award when he stated that firemen on day leave could not be called out in an emergency was expressed by the President of the. Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Brigades’ Union. Mr Charters’ statement cast a slur on every fireman governed by the award, and it is up to Mr Charters to withdraw the statement that the men were not available. He said at no time had there been any question of men not being available when off duty in cases of emergency. The men were bound to carry out their duties if called upon.