NOT IN FIRE BOARD’S DISTRICT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 304, 18 September 1943, Page 6

NOT IN FIRE BOARD’S DISTRICT

Wellkjgton Wharves

.Since the tire in a shed on one of the Wellington wharves a few months ago it has been ascertained that the wharves (under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Harbour Board) do nut lie within tlie Wellington Fire Board’s district. The harbour board has certain fire-fighting apparatus and equipment, including the tug Toia (which is provided with powerful pumps and hose), but any extensive outbreak of fire along the waterfront within the harbour board’s territory .must be fought by the Wellington Fire Brigade, as was the case when the big shed was destroyed. At yesterday’s meeting of the Wellington Fire Board, the chairman, Mr. S. S. Dean, said it was quite definite that (he wharves were not within the Wellington Fire Board’s district. A conference was to be held shortly to adjust the matter, as it was thought that the position could scarcely bo left ns it was. This might mean a revision of (he existing agreement. Mr. M. F. Duckie said that it seemed that the. point at issue was a matter for negotiation between the two boards, as lie considered 1 it only right that tlie wharves should have the full service of (he brigade tlie year through. Messrs. S. S. Dean, IV. J. Gaudin and L. Glover were appointed a committee to attend the conference. The existing agreement referred to consists of an undertaking given by the fire board that its superintendent or responsible officers shall overhaul the harbour board’s fire-fighting equipment every ynr. For that service a retainer is paid to the fire board.