DEVONPORT'S DECISION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 9

DEVONPORT'S DECISION.

STATE BOARD NOT WANTED. The proposal to transfer the control of the Volunteer Fire Brigade to the suggested Dominion Fire Board was not received favourably by the Devonport Borough Council. A special committee reported to the council last evening that it would be in the best interests of the ratepayers if the borough retained the direct control of its fire-fighting services. Mr. E. Aldridge explained, on behalf of the committee, that the proposed change would bo only of doubtful linan- j cial benefit, and the estimated advantages of uniform Dominion equipment and the interchangeable staffs would not compensate for the obvious defects of the loss of council control and the extra bureaucratic supervision that would necessarily be imposed. The committee agreed, that tho insurance companies should contribute towards tho cost of firc-fighting. . Examination of the proposed" scheme did not give any assurance of added benefit to the borough. Any fire board which might be created would be bound to see to such matters as adequate water mains and extra plant and equipment, which would probably result in heavier maintenance than the present charges. Furthermore, a fire board would be entirely dependent upon the co-operation of the council. The council might secure a further reduction in insurance premium rates if they undertook responsibilities similar to those of tho proposed board. Tho insurance classification of the borough for premium rating was explained l)y Mr. J, Curtaync, another member of the sub committee. Devonport was classified by insurance companies as a safer risk than many other boroughs around Auckland, and they were therefore receiving in many cases the benefit of the lowest premium rates applicable as far as any borough was concerned. Mr. W. F. M. McLean supporting the opinions expressed, said tha„ on examination it was obviously m the ratepayers' interests to decline the proposals of the Minister of Internal AMr S- Aldridge further explained that the proposition that the Dominion Board should take over all the assets of the present boards and at the same time leaving the liabilities as charges on the individual districts was inequitable. As fa- as Dcvonport was concerncd, the annual charges on current loans would be in excess of the proposed boards contribution to the cost of the underIt was resolved, on the committee s recommendation, that no action e taken.