FALSE ALARMS OF FIRE.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20918, 27 July 1933, Page 8

FALSE ALARMS OF FIRE.

«AX INCREASING EVIL."

[TIIE TRESS Special Service.J

AUCKLAND, July 2G

"The false fire-alarm hoax is becoming an increasing evil," said Mr A. G. Lunn at a meeting of the Metropolitan Fire Board. "Every time a false alarm is given life and property are endangered, and the very fine organisation we have established for fire protection is disorganised."

Superintendent W. L. Wilson said that on Tuesday night two false alarms were given, one just before a genuine alarm to a fire in Queen street.

"I suggest that when the next culprit is discovered and is found guilty we should ask the police to press for a heavy penalty," said Mr M. J. Coyle. "It is a very serious matter." Mr R. J. Mills asked whether it was the custom to offer rewards for the apprehension of guilty persons. The chairman, Mr J. J. Kingston, said that the question had been considered before, but had not been put into effect.

Mr J. B. Paterson said ths.t there would be a great public outcry il' a serious fire occurred and life were lost while the fire-protection system was disorganised by rnalicioJS false alarms.

The chairman said that tha board would certainly press for t> heavy penalty when the next culprit was caught.