FIRE BOARD.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17450, 10 May 1922, Page 9

FIRE BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Christchurch Fire Board mot last night. Present—Messra A. Williams (chairman), H. Holland, J. R. Cameron, A. Manning, H. R. Rusbridge, P. H. Harris, and F. Burgoyno,

The : Superintendent reported that Since the last meeting 22 calls wore received—6 false alarms (5 - malicious), 3 chimney fires, 1 hedge fire,' aad 12 actual fires. The estimated fire loss was £4668, insurances £7255, value of property affected £11,200. The Superintendent stated that two auxiliary messenger firemen had been appointed under the by-lawe of the Board to reside on the station premises at Woolston, with free quarters and a bonus of £lO each, per annum. With regard to the appointment of the ex-auxiliary firemen -.who desired to. enrol under special conditions to suit themselves, he would suggest that no consideration be given to their roq-uest, but that the wages which'would be paid to the four men, with uniforms, etc., amounting to probably £l2O per, Annum, be expended in the erection oi an additional single man's room attached to the present building. That would then provide.accommodation for two permanent and four" auxiliaries resident on the station, which, in conjunction with the city staff and plant, would fulfil all the requirements of Woolston for many ysars to come. The amount saved, •approximately £6O per annum, would, affeV .two years, repay the cost of erection, and ultimately be a greater benefit to the Board and the efficiency of the Brigade. ' ( Mr H. Holland said the Woolston people were anxious that the former Woolston file men should be retained. The chairman (Mr A. Williams) said the Woolston men considered the Board's regulations as to-attendance at the Btation too stringent. In any. event, the City Brigade could reach 'W-oolston in five minutes. Mr P. H. Harris suggested that the matter should be referred to the executive to formulate a scheme for the < government of the Woolston Brigade. The. chairman said the-executive had already considered the matter. The . Board approved of the Superintendent's Tecommondatio.ni. The Superintendent also recommended that the Woolston fire alarm wires ' should be transferred from the electrio lighting poles to the telegraph poles, also that direct telephone communication should be. established between th« .Woolston station and the city headquarters. The Board authorised these works.