FIRE DISTRICT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 47, 5 December 1946, Page 6

FIRE DISTRICT

PROPOSAL FOR CONTROL OF BRIGADE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES CONTAINED That Ashburton is one of the biggest towns in New Zealand with a fire brigade still controlled by the municipal authorities, is > disclosed in a report .to Parliament by Mr Girling Butcher (Inspector of Fire Brigades) on the working of the Fire Brigades Act, 19*26, for the year ended March 31, 1946, a copy of which was received at the monthly meeting of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade last evening. Under the existing .municipal control, ratepayers have to meet the whole cost of maintaining the brigade, whereas if the fire service were under the controF of a fire board and this were a fire district, insurance companies and the Government would contribute to its upkeep. Under the proposed legislation revising control of fire services .in New Zealand, which should have come before Parliament at its last session, Ashburton wovild have become a fire district with a fire board in control; but because the interested parties have riot been-able to agree, no progress has been-made with the legislation. Superintendent Heffoi’d presented Fireman J. Smith-with a silver service bar, marking the completion ofseyen years’ service. The social committee was congratulated on the success of the recent welcome home social. It was decided to draw the attention of the Borough Council to the deterioration of the bell tower. A letter of appreciation and a donation of £3 3s was received from the Kailway Department. This was the outcome of the brigade’s work at q fire in a guard’s van at the Ashburton railway station a short time ago. Mr John Smith was elected an honorary member of the brigade. It was decided to have No. 1 motoi overhauled as soon as possible. Members expressed concern over the depletion of hose during the last year. Mr Hefford reported, that new hose on order was expected shortly, when a further quantity would be ordered.