FIRE PREVENTION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12505, 18 May 1906, Page 5

FIRE PREVENTION.

STATEMENT BY THE WORKS COMMITTEE. At the meeting of tho Executive Committee Last evening Mr G. Sco:t, tho deputy-chairman of the Building Committee, said that it was unnece-t=ary to refer to reports in the newspapeis as a general rule, but there had been a reference to what was being done with regard to fire prevention, to which he desired to call the attention ot the committee. Interviews with the Association and Superintendent Smith had appean-ci, w.iich would lead people to suppose that the matter had been overlooked by the Commissioners and the Jiu.lding C mmittee. He desired to say that both the Commissioners and the committee had given the question a great deal of serious consideration. They had received a report and recommendations from Superintendent Smith, but considered that tho recommendations made

were not such as would sufficiently cope with any fire which might take piace in the building. They accordingly proposed other arrangements, wlucn they thought would better provide the protection necessary. They had a scheme which they were anxious to lay before the Underwritois' Association and Superintendent Smith, but the Association had declined to meet them in conference. They had ordered, by cable, 3000 feet of pipes frcm England, so as to provide for a complete water supply. This would give them stand pipes all over the building within 100 feet of each other. Superintendent Smith recommended the housing at the Exhibition of one small engine, but this it was felt would not be sufficient to cope with a fire. By their proposals they would have a supply of water within a minute on any part of the building which might be on fire. The Executive would see, therefore, that so far from tho Commissioners and the committee not having given the subject consideration they had carefully studied the matter. There was no question of stinting money as the Commissioners were very anxious indeed to provide the most perfect system they could tor fire prevention. Li reply to a question from Mr Grierson, Mr Scott said tliat pressure had been arranged for by a steam pump lixed the boiler. Steam would bo kept up night and day, the night watchman having charge of tho boilers. There would thus always bo pressure and water in tlio pipes and a length of hose at every hundred feet. A sump was being built on the far side to hold water, and a pump fixed at tho river.