SEVENTY APPEALS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1945, Page 6

SEVENTY APPEALS

FIRE BRIGADE STAFF DEPLETION OF STRENGTH Appeals in respect of over 70 members of fire brigades in the Auckland district were heard at this afternoon's sitting of the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board. Of these 57 were in respect of members of the staff of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Brigade, including 28 members of the permanent staff. In presenting evidence on behalf of the brigade, the deputy-superin-tendent, Mr. A. G. McKenzie, said that the normal wartime strength of the permanent staff of the brigade was 97, but that there were only 95 at the present, time. The pre-war establishment of auxiliary firemen was 59. At present there were only 14 of these men on the staff. To make up this loss married men, who had been in the auxiliary fire service, had continued to come on duty at the fire station once in five weeks. Notwithstanding this, 'said Mr. McKenzie, at midnight each night the staff of the brigade was only 50 per cent of its pre-war strength. The pre-war establishment of volunteer firemen was 61. There were now only 37 volunteer members of the brigade. Mr. McKenzie said that the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board was prepared to withdraw appeals in cases where suitable replacements could be obtained. Appeals in respect of about 20 members of other brigades were also heard. The board reserved its decision.