Fire chief stays critic of system

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33106, 22 December 1972, Page 12

Fire chief stays critic of system

The head of the New Zealand Fire Service (Mr G. Drummond) will retire today a little apprehensive about what effect the new duty sy stem for firemen may have on brigade efficiency.

Mr Drummond, who will leave the service after 44 years, was the first New Zealand fireman to rise to the very top from the lowest ranks.

On retirement, he was responsible for 270 brigades throughout New- Zealand.

He was not quite satisfied that the duty system adopted earlier this year was in the service’s best interest, he said yesterday. Firemen now work two day shifts, two night shifts then have four days off.

"I hope the new system won’t prove to be a retrograde step,” he said. “After four days off, you tend to forget what it is all about.” Mr Drummond said he would watch the progress of] the service under the new system. He favours a 40-hour week, in straight shifts. “The Fire Service costs; about sl4m to run a year, so; I hope we’re not paying more, for less efficiency.” “Top in world” However, Mr Drummond, described the Fire Service as I being in a very healthy position, and said it was “top in the world.” New equipment, and the latest machines were the main contributors to itsl success. He has praise for New Zealand’s 6000 volunteer firemen. "Their keenness never lacks for a minute,” he said.] They too had benefited by better equipment, including i high pressure guns, proper uniforms and better co-ord-1 ination between brigades "They are not on their own any longer. If a small brigade has a decent fire, then it can now call on a neighbouring brigade for excellent support ] Good co-ordination proves very important.” “Time to go” Mr Drummond began his career in the Mt Roakill Brigade. After four years as a

volunteer he joined the service and during his 44 years he has served in all parts ofi New Zealand.

Although, at 61, he still has four years before the compulsory retiring age in the State services, he said it was time that a younger person took control. Asked what he planned to do first on his retirement, Mr Drummond replied, “look for a job.”