“ON CALL AT ALL HOURS”

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22411, 26 May 1938, Page 12

“ON CALL AT ALL HOURS”

POSITION ACCEPTED BY MEN

STATEMENT BY FEDERATION OF LABOUR

“It is understood by all firemen who take on brigade duty that they must be at the service of the authorities at all hours and on all possible occasions,” said Mr J. Roberts, president- of the Canterbury district council of the Federation of Labour, in a further statement yesterday. He declared that the men had always accepted the position that they could be called on at any time and when their leave was unfinished. The editorial in “The Press” yesterday in reply to the statement issued by him on behalf of the district council was evasive, said Mr Roberts. In the leading article of May 25, The Press” quoted Mr Charters, chairman of the Christchurch Fire Board, as follows:—“ But for the provisions of the present award for firemen, probably about half a dozen extra men could have been called out for the fire ” Without investigating the matter it blindly accepted Mr Charters’s statement and described this alleged provision as “fantastic” and “dangerous.” “The Press” had not a scrap of evidence to support its statements. Award Clear “The leading article in Wednesday’s issue on this matter is more guarded. “The Press” says that if the award made no provision for emergencies, the award should be amended. The award is quite clear on this point. The men can be called upon at any time even when their day leave is unexpired. This position has always been accepted by the men. Neither Mr Charters nor ‘The Press’ has made any attempt to reply to the point made that the provisions in the award complained of have been there for a number of years. It is strange that these provisions which have been in operation for so long in Christchurch and other parts of New Zealand, and have been agreed to by Mr Charters in the past, should now be questioned. The only conclusion one can draw from Mr Charters’s statement, is that he does not yet understand the award.”

Interpretation of Article

“Notwithstanding the definite statement of the men that the award empowers the fire board to call upon them in any emergency, even when on day leave, ‘The Press’ still pretended that the position was not yet clear. He found it difficult to believe that one of the editor’s intellectual standing was quite so naiye as he would suggest. He quite agreed that ‘The Press’ probably did not intend to cast any reflection upon the firemen; but unfortunately, the public as a result of reading, the article would no doubt feel that the firemen of Christchurch failed in their duty at the recent fire. However, if the inquiry asked for by the men was conceded, the truth or otherwise of Mr Charters’s allegations would be determined. He reiterated that the first article dealing with the shortage of firemen was unfair and inaccurate and trusted that when ‘The Press’ was finally satisfied that the award did not in any way impede the calling out of the men on day leave, it would make ample amends. “In reply to the suggestion in ‘The Press’ that my mind is clouded because of the shadow of the approaching General Elections, I wish to say that its action in writing a leading article on the unsupported statement of Mr Charters and its •'apparent eagerness to accept it was very suspicious.” said Mr Roberts. “I may have placed the ethics of journalism on too high a plane, I always imagined that when editorials were written supporting statements made to newspapers, some effort would be made to ascertain if the statements made, were in accordance with fact. One of my complaints was that ‘The Press’ failed to take that elementary step.” EVENTS AT RECENT FIRES REPRESENTATIVE OF LLOYDS SATISFIED “PUBLIC INQUIRY WOULD BE WELCOMED ” A number of matters,arising out of Monday’s fire were discussed yesterday- by Superintendent A. Morrison with the adjuster who'is acting in the assessment of claims under' Lloyd’s fire policies and Mr B. Honour, manager at Christchurch for Bennie S. Cohen and Son (N.Z.), Ltd., Lloyds insurance brokers. Superintendent Morrison gave a complete and satisfactory explanation of all the points raised, Mr Honour said last night. “The superintendent received us most cordially and courteously answered all the questions asked about recent fires,” said Mr Honour. “His explanation of- the events was quite satisfactory.”

“We still feel, however, that an inquiry would be advisable in the public interest in order to clear up certain questions which have been aired over the last few days. One of these is the strength of the brigade. I feel most strongly that it is not up to sufficient strength—and, perhaps, equipment—to deal with major fires.” » Danger Spots in City •A number of danger spots remained in the city. It was inconceivable that Christchurch fire brigades, at their present strength, were in a position to cope .efficiently with outbreaks which obtained any sort of hold. In these circumstances, a public inquiry would be very welcome, not only to the insuring public but also to the insurance companies.

“If the inquiry is held, the order of reference should be sufficiently wide to enable the Court to examine all questions relating to the fighting of fires, such as brigade personnel, equip-' merit; and tactics in relation to recent fires, as well as the operation of the award.”

Mr Honour said he did not know of any steps having been taken by his company or by the underwriters his company represented to press for an inquiry.