FIRE CONTROL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 178, 29 July 1932, Page 3

FIRE CONTROL.

GROWTH OF ASSOCIATION.

riNE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT.

WORK DONE AT CONFERENCES

The splendid reputation that is enjoyed by New Zealand's volunteer firemen and the good work that has been done by the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand since its formation over 50 years ago are stressed in a long letter that we have received from officers of the association. The letter ia signed by Superintendent H. E. Follas, past president of the association, C. A. Osbornc, treasurer, and Captain T. J. Watts, advisory superintendent. The letter reads: "In your sub-leader of Wednesday last on the subject of fire control there appeared two statements that axe not in accordance with existing conditions. The reference to the nonstandardisation of fire equipment, after decades of Government inspections and fire brigade conferences and competitions, is beside the question of the formation of a Metropolitan Fire Board. The nature of the gear purchased in most cases rests upon the recommendation of the chief officer of the brigade concerned. The four chief brigades of the Dominion all differ in «veir plant, and who is to say which one is correct? And even if one type of plant is selected as a standard, is it proposed to scrap all the gear at present rendering quite efficient service? The standardisation of gear is not governed by the association, although we insist upon standard gear being used at our competitions. One Hundred and Forty-two Brigades. "For the information of your readers may we point out that the association, which, was founded in 1878 with a membership of seven brigades, now comprises 142 brigades, ranging from Kawakawa to the Bluff. It embraces all the brigades of the Dominion, including the permanent brigades. It is to this association alone that any advance made in the lire-prevention methods of the Dominion is due. The Fire Brigades Act, which it is now proposed to amend to provide for a Metropolitan Fire Board, is the sole work of the association, but to-day it appears that the association is the only body not to be considered when fire brigade matters are concerned. The views of laymen are thrust forward as the last word in fire prevention. The association is not opposed to anything that will improve the fire service of the Dominion and will welcome metropoli-tan-fire boards if they will bring that about, but it is certainly very much opposed to some of the arguments at present being used. "The other statement in your article to which the brigades of the association take very strong exception is that which infers that the association's conferences are nothing more than holidays. This is most unfair comment upon a body of men numbering close on 2500, over SO per cent of whom are rendering voluntary service as their idea of civil obligation to their various towns. Up till last year the Government granted free railway passes for those attending the association's annual meetings, this being a return for free fire protection of the many State buildings in all parts of the Dominion. The concession of free passes was not in itself sufficient, and each delegate had to pay a levy up to £2 for the privUege of trying to improve hie knowledge of fire-prevention methods. Yet, when fire protection is being discussed, the fireman is usually set aside and the layman, technical or otherwise, gives his ideas full run. "Example to the World." "The New Zealand volunteer fireman to-day is held up as an example throughout the fire service of the world. Despite this fact, by its lack of appreciation the Dominion is doing its best to kill the volunteer spirit. If all the firemen are to be paid for their services a great deal more will be required from the country in the way of rates. "Any suggestion that conferences are holidays is wide of the truth. The last conference, for instance, saw the foundation of a New Zealand Fire Brigades' Officers and Members' Institute. This branch of the association has for its president Captain T. T. Hugo, the late Government fire inspector and a firefighter who is looked up to with the greatest respect for both his practical and technical knowledge. Superintendent C. C. Warner, of Christehurch, is the senior vice-president, with other practical members of the service on the council. This body is coaching members of the service with a view to increasing the technical and practical knowledge of the younger members of the service. Officers of the association tour New Zealand, and it is their duty to teach hydro-dynamics and methods of fire prevention, protection, and extinction. In addition, papers on the following subjects were read and discussed at our last conference: (1) Things a fireman should know; (2) Smoke and gases; (3) Construction of buildings in regard to fire; (4) Hose connections and nozzles; (5) Handling Siamesed lines of hose; (6) Ventilation of buildings on fire; (7) Ammonia, acid, chemical, and gas fires; (8) Water and combustibles; (9) Dangers to be avoided; (10) Treatment of burns. "In "conclusion we wish to point out that this letter does not refer to any remarks made by Mr. J. J. Kingston, chairman of the Auckland Fire Board, who at all times has expressed his great appreciation of the work done by the association." Brigade at Mount Wellington. It ia pointed out in a letter from the Mount Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade that the Mount Wellington district has had adequate fire protection for the past nine months. The brigade consists of twelve members, and is controlled by the Mount Wellington Road Board. Its equipment includes two engines. There are two stations, this bemg thought advisable owing to the scattered nature of the settlement. Decision at Mount Roskill. At a meeting of the Mount Roskill Fire Board, presided over by Mr. L. A. Tozer, last evening, the suggested formation of a Metropolitan Fire Board for the urban area of Auckland was considered. After lengthy discussion the following resolution was passed: "That the formation of a Metropolitan Fire Board, as suggested by the inspector of fire brigades, meets with the approval of the Mount Roskill Fire Board, provided the assets and liabilities of the existing board are assured by the Metropolitan 5 Board, and the basis of contributions and constitution is arranged between the contributing bodies concerned."