The Press TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1963. Fire Risks To Public Property

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30178, 9 July 1963, Page 12

The Press TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1963. Fire Risks To Public Property

The discussion in Parliament on the report of the Public Expenditure Committee revealed a disturbing lack of co-ordination of fire precautions in government buildings. As the committee indicated, it appears only logical for the Fire Service Council, which is already responsible for the safety of other buildings throughout New Zealand, to supervise government buildings as well. The council's ability to serve the community should be greatly increased by such a comprehensive mandate. According to the 1962 report of the AuditorGeneral, which commented on the high level of government fire losses, the Ministry of Works has a general responsibility for the inspection and protection of most buildings owned and occupied by the Government. “ A number of other gov- “ ernment departments and “ quasi-government organi- “ sations, however, appear “ to have varying degrees “ of responsibility for these “ matters ”, continued the report. “ Furthermore, the “ respective responsibilities “of urban fire authorities

“and of the Fire Service “ Council in respect of “ government property are “ not clearly defined ...” Government buildings have a book value of many millions of pounds; but also at stake are irreplaceable records and other assets which the Government is under a duty to protect adequately. Moreover, the Government can be expected to set an example in the provision of safe working conditions in its premises, and of safe public access to them. Shortage of accommodation elsewhere still forces government departments to occupy buildings with a high fire risk; and this is an additional argument for strict and efficient precautions. There is sound sense in the comment of the AuditorGeneral: “The problem of “ fire protection can be “tackled in a realistic man- “ ner only by the recogni- “ tibn of one authority with “ the necessary powers to “ ensure that adequate pro- “ tective measures are taken “ in respect of all property “ which, if destroyed by fire, “ must be replaced from “public funds”.