FIRE BRIGADES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 2, 2 July 1926, Page 9

FIRE BRIGADES

A CONSOLIDATION MEASURE

ASSISTANCE TO BOARDS,

The. Fire Brigades consolidation measure which was before the House of Representatives last session, but which was not proceeded with on account of pressure of other business, was reintroduced in the House yeaterday by Go. iruor-General 's Message arid read a first time. Tho Bill contains some small amendments of the present law. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland) asked the Minister of Internal Affairs whether the Bill contained any provision for financial assistance to fire boards, and with -respect to travelling expenses in connection with firemen's annual contests. The Minister (the Hon. R. 7?.- Bollard) said that copies of, the Bill ha-1, been sent to every fire board in the Dominion. Tho Government intended to do something to provide financial assistance fpr the boards. No increaso was being made to the monetary assistance in connection with contests, but a fair allowance was being made for the purpose. Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston) asked if provision was made permitting fire boards to obtain finance through Government institutions. At the present time, he pointed out, they had to make arrangements to obtain money through other channels. i The Minister stated that the Government was considering the matter.