FIRE BRIGADES BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 255, 25 October 1907, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADES BILL.

The Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) mentioned at the meeting of the City Council last night that telegrams had passed between the Attorney-G-eneral and himself with regard to the Fire Brigades' Bill. He had stated tho Council would be satisfied if the term at the end of which the fire brigade property could be taken over by the Fire Board was extended to 33 years, provided that one per cent sinking fund was paid in addition to the ordinary interest on the loan.

Mr. Parr said although he had advocated the formation of a Fire Board, he really began to think that they would be better back at the old order of things, and resume control of fire brigades.

The Mayor said the Auckland Fire Brigade was complete in every respect, but it was a matter of regret that there was not a Metropolitan Board, so that the suburbs could be similarly provided for. The end desired would be best accomplished by that means. He thought it was unjustifiable for the Government to have a representative on the Fire Board, considering the small amount it contributed. He understood, however, that the Agent-General was going to make the formation of boards permissible.

Dr. Stopford said the Auckland Brigade was second to none. An alarm was given in front of Endean's hotel the other day, and the brigade was there in 2 minutes 20 seconds, which could not be beaten in America.

The discussion then ended, but the matter will come up again at a future meeting.