NAVAL BASE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 186, 8 August 1935, Page 16

NAVAL BASE.

FIRE PROTECTION.

IMPROVED ALARM SYSTEM. COMMANDER'S REQUEST. Anxiety concerning the fire protection facilities at the naval base was expressed by Commander B. C. B. Brooke, naval officer in charge, Auckland, in a letter received by the Devonport Borough Council last night.

Commander Brooke wrote: "The question of improving the fire. protection at the naval base has been receiving attention, and it would be appreciated if an understanding could be arrived at between your council and the naval authorities regarding the assistance which might be expected from the Devonport Fire Brigade in case of a serious fire.

"The provision of a call-box connected to the fire station's duplex alarm system merits consideration, and the council's views on this, with an approximate estimate of the cost, would be welcome. "Practice visits to the naval base by the fire brigade would be welcomed, and no previous notice of such visits would be required. The naval authorities would co-operato in any tests or practices which the brigade might like to carry out." Council Will Co-operate. The Mayor, Mr. 11. F. W. Meikle, said that he thought every assistance should be given the naval authorities. The cost of installing an alarm box, connected direct to the Devonport fire station, would be £20. There would also be a small annual charge for upkeep. "I think that it is a good idea," eaid Mr. G. D. Hardy. "In the event of a fire they will use a lot of our water and we will make a profit." (Laughter.) The council decided to lay the required information before the naval authorities and to assure them of the council's desire to co-operate in every way possible in minimising the fire risk and in preparing to assist in fighting a fire should one break out.

The superintendent of the lire brigade, Mr. H. E. Follas, is to be requested to arrange for practice visits to the base, preferably of a surprise nature, in the near future.

Fire Committee Formed. Commander Brooke said this morning that his request to the Devonport Borough Council was the result of the findings of a fire committee recently set up at the Naval Base to reorganise the fire-fighting .facilities.

, "With the addition of a number of wooden buildings at the base." said Commander Brooke, "the rink of fire has increased and the committee has been arranging -for adequate protection. Comprehensive plans have been drawn up for the concentration of fire-fighting facilities in the event of a fire either at the base or in one of the ships under the control of the Navy."

Commander Brooke said that work was already under way for the re-laying of large (iin^water mains throughout the base in-J.piace of the old ones. Several new hydrants were being installed at various points, and, with the cooperation of the Bevonport Fire Brigade, they should be able to cope with any emergency that might arise.