BIG BUILDINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 224, 21 September 1929, Page 11

BIG BUILDINGS.

Ml — PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE. COMPULSION SUG GESTED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. At a meeting of the Wellington Fire Board to-day, the matter o£ the installation of fire-fighting appliances in big: buildings was discussed, and it was decided that a move should be made in the direction of having a bylaw brought into operation making installations compulsory in buildings above a certain size. Mr. S. S. Dean said that When he was in Sydney lie had had conversations with the New South Wales. Inspector of Fire Brigades (Mr. Vance) on the subject. In that State it was compulsory to have sprinklers installed. The cost was not. great,' and the devices soon paid for themselves through the reduction On the rates of insurance. New South Wales, also agreed on "drenchers" in buildings, and the speaker was of opinion that compulsion should be sought in Wellington. There were several efficient types in uS-e.. Inspector Hugo had addressed tlia Rotary Club recently, and had quoted astounding figures showing the low average of damage in America, where appliances were in use. Mr. Dean explained that the drencher consisted of a perforated pipe around the top of the building and when a fire occurred the watei was turned on and a curtain of water formed about the building. The chairman (Mr. M. W. Nelson) said the board itself did not have the power to make installations compulsory. Mr. F. M. Luckie suggested that the three insurance members, the superintendent, and Inspector Hugo should confer on the matter, and report to t.ie board. The board's recommendation could then be sent to the City Council, where the council members of the board could bring it forward and urge the framing of a suitable bylaw. Air. Dean expressed the opinion that had sprinklers been in use in the Fruit Markets fire and at A. and 1. Lurts, the damage would have been hundreds and not thousands of pounds. It was further suggested that the matter should be taken up with the Minister of Internal Affairs.