FIRE ALARM WIRING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 53, 4 March 1930, Page 9

FIRE ALARM WIRING.

DEPARTMENTAL CHARGES.

BRIGADES SEEK CONCESSIONS.

DISAPPOINTING REPLY,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHANGAREI, this day,

A special . report on the fire-alarm wiring was submitted to tlie Fire Brigades Conference to-day by Superintendent Freeman (Masterton), wlio stated that very little progress had been made though the executive was of the opinion that something definite should be done in the near future. A deputation had been informed by the assistant secretary of the Telegrapn Department that fire boards would receive payment from the Consolidated j Fund, borough councils and writers' associations. "It appears," said the assistant-secre-tary, "that in a very few cases only, are the brigades maintained by public subscription. In the case of any special jtrvice rendered by fire brigades it hat beet the practice for the Post and Telegraph Department to make a contribution to the funds of the brigade concerned. I regret that under the circumstances no reduction in the present price can be made in case of lines leased foi fire alarm systems."

"Upon receiving this reply," said Mr. Freeman, "the secretary and myself forwarded a further letter pointing out to the Department how little they understood the case they were asked to deal with. It was rather amusing when the official concerned stated there were very few volunteer fire brigades in the Dominion when we know that at that time there were 93 volunteer brigades under municipal control, and when we received no financial assistance from the Government, the other 49 being under fire boards. These fire board brigades received from the Consolidated Fund, the sum of £2300 and the brigades pay to the Post and Telegraph Departmtnt £ISB9 as line rental, and £1204 for phones and motor registration, making a total of £3093, or £793 more than they receive. Another interview was equally unsuccessful, the Department stating it had to conduct its business on a commercial basis and it was not possible to afford the preferential treatment asked for.

"Supposing, gentlemen," said Mr. Freeman, "we decided to carry out our work of fire-fighting on the same commercial basis and the Post and Telegraph will not pay for service rendered, then we, as brigadesmen, may not give it preferential treatment when its buildings are endangered by fire!" The conference adopted the report and urged the executive to continue its efforts.