THE FIRE FIGHTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 53, 4 March 1925, Page 11

THE FIRE FIGHTERS.

DRILL AND APPARATUS.

EXPERIENCED MEN* WANTED.

(By Association.)

CHRISTCHUROH, Tuesday

At the Xew Zealand Fire Brigades' Conference to-day Captain T. Hugo, inspector of fire 'brigades, was congratulated on his election to the Incorporated Institute of Fire Engineers of (Jreat Britain. Captain Hugo thanked the conference, and gave an address in which he stressed the need for fire superintendents to be thoroughly qualified men. No curriculum had been adopted for brigades, he said, although a standard had been fixed in regard to fire drill and other matters. Two boards had done good work in allowing their chief officers to gain further experience. In volunteer fire bbigades the system of electing their own officers did not tend to etticiency, said Laptain Hugo. It gave a feeling or insecurity in.those elected, and in some cases the best men were not elected.

He urged the establishment of fire drill in large buildings and instruction in the use of fire-fighting apparatus. In some cases of fires well-meaning people tried to save property in adjoining buildings, emptying goods out into the street and doing enormous damage in their hurry. He suggested the appointment of responsible men as fire police. They could stop damage 'being done, and would be of great assistance.

Regarding the appointment of fire inspectors by local bodies, Captain Hugo said some bodies appointed men who had little experience of fire-fighting. Authority should be vested only in experienced men. Fire superintendents should be appointed inspectors.

Regarding chemical extinguishers, there was danger from corrosion and other causes. He urged the utmost care in their use.

The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. C. C. War.ner (Christchurch) ; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. Garret (Thames), and Anderson (Rotorua); secretary, Mr. C. A. Osborne (Onehunga).