FIRE BOARD.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13474, 14 July 1909, Page 7

FIRE BOARD.

£ m-e-etirg of the Christchurch Fire 800-r-d) held last night was attended by Messrs J. D. Hall (chairman), T. N. Horsley, C. Taylor, A. L. Persons, W. j>. Mackenzie, H. S. Batchelor, end H. R. Rusbridge.

The Chairman stated that he had been interviewed by the Inspector of Fire Boards, who intimated , that in view of his comments on last year's accounts, he was not satisfied with three items of this yearns estimates, viz., the amounts expended for gas, telephones, and secretary's salary. He thought these amounts, in comparison ■with the expenditure made by other Boards was too high. A Teport had) been sent by the Inspector to the Minister, -who had asked for an explanation. This had been furnished by the secretary, and the Minister made no finther comment. In consequence the accounts had been included* with this year's estimates unaltered. The Inspector admitted, when thei matter of telephones was explained .to him, for example, that the account was not unreasonable, but still persisted in his objection. It rather tended to show that the Inspector's position was not altogether satisfactory. If the Board thought it necessary to reconsider the three items referred to, it could be done. So far as he (the speaker) couldi see, there was no need for further alteration, as it must be remembered that the items were merely estimates. No action was teken in the matter.

It was decided to pay J. Middleton's account of £3 ISs for services rendered during last quarter. _ The Christchurch City.Council wrote in reference to the possible inadequacy of, the Sydenham high pressure supply for fir« prevention purposes, and staged that a sufficient supply could be assured at all times by pumping directly into the mains. The Council was waiting to see whether the supply from the new reservoir -wonld suffice for all purposes, in which case the present' Sydenham supply would not be drawn upon. It was resolved' to reply that the Sydenham supply might not be sufficient for all -requirementey and) therefore it was desirable to connect up with the general city supply. The Minister's approval of the estimates for the year was received. A copy of they report furnished by the superintendent- upon the dangerous condition of a number of wooden common lodging houses was ordered to he sent to the City Council.

The Staff and Plant Committee recommended that the position of auxiliary foreman at St. Albans be dispensed with; that three extra permanent firemen be engaged, and that the Board remunerate Dr. Campbell Duncan for his services as medical officer.

The report teas adopted. It was resolved to forward the proposed fire regulations for theatres and those governing the storage of empty crates, cases and other packages, sawdust, shavings, etc., as drafted by the superintendent, to the City Council. The Finance Committee recommended that other Fire Boards be asked to support amending legislation enabling the Government to lend money to Fire Boards under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, to enable new fire stations to be 'built; that it be a remit to the proposed conference to consider the position of the statutory Inspector of Fire Brigades', and that the conference also consider the question of Boards paying for medals for members of the Brigade staff. * . The report was adopted.