FIRE WASTE IN NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 3

FIRE WASTE IN NEW ZEALAND

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, —A recent, address to the Associated Fire Brigades (assembled in Dunedin) by that most capable officer, Inspector Hugo, deserves more than a passing reference, and it would. be well if Inspector Hugo's remarJcs were printed and circulated throughout the Dominion. He stated officially that "the fire waste of New Zealand had amounted to 14s 9d per head of the population, a world record," and that he had since, received! in. formation that the fire waste "actually amounted to £1,000,000." He also emphasised that this great waste, which is preventable to a large extent, is not realised by the public of this Dominion, and Inspector Hugo knows. Such a statement is very disturbing, in view of the fact that fire boards and improvement of fire brigades have been speoially . receiving attention for some years. The great fire waste in this Dominion is very largely the result of carelessness, and could be easily reduced if- local aulh. orities were move alert. Inspector Hugo is, however, quite wrong when he says that carelessness on the part of insurance companies is a factor in the fire loss of New Zealand. He must remember that the first business of an insurance company is to secure a minimum of risks; and the aim of an insurance office is always specially to aid their agents. His address is of great value, and I trust that his department will (an promised) distribute copies throughout the Dominion.—l am, etc., F. G. CRAY. 7th May.