FIRE BOARD.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16212, 15 May 1918, Page 5

FIRE BOARD.

Tha Christchurch. Firo Board met last night. Present—Mee-ars H. Holland (chairman). A. •Williams, H. P. Hopkins, G. Kerruish, and J as. ■ . Xhe chairman reported having obtained a guarantee for four yeans in. respect of two seta of Edison storage batteries, and these had been purchased. The chairmrfn s action was confirmed, and it was decided to instruct the superintendent to connect at the new batteries. The Minister of Munitions wrote forwarding a priority certificate ordering the shipment of certain hoao on order by the Board. The architect reported on the progress effected in connexion with the additions and repairs at the Sydenham sub-etation, and stated that the whole of the work would be completed about the 21st inst. The chairman reported that he had received a deputation, consisting of Messrs P. L. Hallenstein, R. Jay, and D. F. Dennie, who askod that certain charges in connexion with automatic alarm installations should bo abolished. The superintendent, in. his report, dealt with the matter, and recommended thai the present charges should be reduced by one-half, and that the new scale should come into'force on July Ist. Tho superintendent's recommendation was adopted. The superintendent reported:—Between April Eth and May 9th nine calls wero received—two falee alarms, _ two chimney fires, and five actual fires; estimated fire los- on contents and buildings .£422, insurances £1375, estimated .value of property £2025. The following members of the Brigade had been called up in the latest ballot:—The superintendent, Motor-driver McKittrick, Firemen Gash, Brooks, and J. H. Kirk. Appeals had been lodged on their behalf. In view of the preparation of the estimates, the .Board waa recommended to again consider the question of. tho extension of the fire alarm system to Beckenham-Fisherton, Opawa, and St. Martin's; estimated cost £500. It was suggested that the erection of tho proposed sub-station to cover North Kiohmond, Avonside, and North-east St. Albans, should bo held over till alter the war.

The action of ,tho chairman-in appealing on behalf of the superintendent, and the action of the superintendent in appealing on behalf of members of the staff was approved. The suggestion regarding the extension of the fire alarm system wa3 held over till next meeting, and several matters connected with tho estimates were deferred. The report was received.