N.Z. MASTER PLUMBERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 36, 10 February 1917, Page 9

N.Z. MASTER PLUMBERS.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The whole of Thursday morning's session of the conference of the New Zealand Master Plumbers' Federation was devoted to a discussion on model sanitary by-laws. After a long discussion the model by-laws were amended in several directions, and in that form will be submitted to the Plumbers' Board for approval. At the morning session the following two remits, which were taken together, were the subject of a lengthy and earnest discussion:— "That the theory of fires being caused through hot-water pipes in domestic supply being in contact with -woodwork, as advanced by a fire authority in the South Island, is.not borne out by facts. In the opinion of this conference there is reason to believe that faulty brickwork is more likely to be the cause of fires around the kitchen range, more stringent inspection being necessary." "As statements have been publicly made by .representatives of , insurance companies and fire boards that a large percentage of fires are caused through hot-water supply pipes in domestic eupply system not being insulated and kept clear of woodwork, it is advisable in the interest of our trade to consider if this is - a fact, and what precaution should be taken to rectify such." The remits were moved by Mr. T. Horning, who combated the statement* that had been made about the danger of hot-water pipes. Mr. Foster, who stated that he was a member o fa fire brigade, said that those who were in a position to know recognised that there was little danger from fire from hot-water pipes being in contact with woodwork. The evidence available went to show that fires were caused through defective brickwork. During the discussion Mr. Charles Mack read a paper on the subject, and finally it was moved by Mr. Horning; "That this conference, having heard Mr. C. Mack's paper, considers it a fuli answer to Remit 15, the first one quoted above." This was carried.