FIRE SERVICE IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26671, 4 March 1952, Page 6

FIRE SERVICE IN N.Z.

NATIONAL SCHEME SUPPORTED BRIGADES HEAR COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS (New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, March 3. Unanimous support tor the New Zealand Fire Council’s proposal to extend the present fire service to a status comparable with that of Britain’s “fourth line of defence” was given by the 1952 conference of the United Fire Brigades’ Association, which began at Palmerston North to-day. The scheme was outlined by the newly-appointed chief -officer of the Fire Council (Mr T. A. Varley), who recently arrived from England, and the chairman oi the council (Mr R. Girling Butcher). Moving that the conference recommend that brigades be asked to accept the council’s scheme.- Mr N. G. Buick, of Palmerston North, said there was a great need for a nation-wide service, which would operate as a complete service, and not one confined to districts. A great many firemen had had the experience of having voluntarily gone outside their districts to attend a fire without any type ot recognition, and it was occurrences 01 that kind that the council sought to eliminate. Hi their place it wanted a first-class, full-scale service. Mr Girling Butcher told the delegates that although their previous conferences had mainly been concerned with the work of small brigades, they would in future take an increasing part in the major, plan. Certain standards for the varying conditions in different districts would have to be set, but these, together with details as to methods of finance, reticulation, and classification, would be investigated by Mr Varley, in conjunction with the interested parties. The aim of the council was to provide protection against fires caused by war. earthquakes, industrial explosion, or outbreaks in forest areas. Mr Varley’s Views He had been shocked to find that under the terms of the Fire Protection Act there were two authorities controlling outbreaks of fire in the Do■mihion, said Mr Varley. This, however, was the law, and it had to stand, but there had to be the utmost cooperation between the two authorities Equally shocking had bertl the fact that a superintendent of a fire brigade had to decide whether he should attend a fire outside his district. This was dotibly oherous when the man had to. stand in the Coroner’s Court if a life had been lost.

Commenting more dirfectly on the proposed scheme, Mr Varley* said he thought that whoever received assistance in case of fires should have to pay for it. Co-ordinatioh of the various district brigade! Was an important factor in spreading* the fire service. Fire had nb boundary, so neither should fire protection schemes. He said in reply to a coffiment made by Mr A. Morrlsph, of Christchurch, that there would have to be wide improvements in the methods of communication in case of fire. Mt Varley said the thatter was being taken up a; a high Igvei with the Post and Telegraph Department. Negotiations for a standard fire emergency number throughout the Dominion and the provision for its priority use Were going on 1 - addition, it. was pronosed to establish a standardised radio intercommunication system