FIRE BRIGADES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 3, 3 July 1926, Page 11

FIRE BRIGADES

CONSOLIDATING ' MEAS.tfRE!

The Fire' Brigades Bill, a consolidating, measure, containing a number of amendments in the present law, was before'the House of Representatives'.last night.

, The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hpn: R. F. Bollard) said that the measure had been' perused and approved by all the fire boards in the Dominion. Thcy-had agreed upon all its clauses. The Leader of the. Opposition , (Mr. H. E. Holland): "Are.you sending the Bill.to a.committee?" • Mr. Bollard replied iv the negative. Mr.. J. i: M'Combs (Lyttelton) observed/that opportunity should, be given for the hearing of possible, objections from local bodies.. .. ' Mr. Holland protested against such an important measure being rushed through tho House, and he suggested that it should be deferred, at least, to enable members to look into it. Mr. H. Holland (Christchureh North) referred to the proposed reduction iv the number of members on fire boards from 7 to 5, and- said five seemed too few. Tho board was to be elected in February, two months before tho municipal elections, and he suggested an alteration as a matter of convenience. He congratulated the Minister on the Bill. The Prime Minister expressed ■willingness to refer the Bill to the Statute's Kovision Committee after the second reading.. Mr. Bollard said the redaction in the number of members of the board had boon asked for by the underwriters and tho Department. It was necessary to have tho election before tho financial year commenced. Tho Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee.