LITTLE NEED FOR GAS MASKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 68, 17 September 1936, Page 11

LITTLE NEED FOR GAS MASKS

A suggestion from the Chief Inspector of Fire Brigades, Mr. R. Girling Butcher, that the use of gas masks by firemen should be made the basis of preparation for their use by the population in time of emergency was not taken seriously by the Christchurch Fire Board at its meeting on Tuesday (reports the "Press"). Mr. Butcher suggested that each engine . should carry four masks with a view to familiarising the men with their use so that later they could be used to train the general public. The chairman, Mr. T. M. Charters, said that the time when they would be needed for the civilian population in New Zealand was too far ahead to be considered. The superintendent, Mr. C. C. Warner, reported that there were seven masks of different types available at 'the station, but since 1913 he had known only two occasions on which the masks were of use. To keep with the trend of the times, however, he said, it was his intention to suggest further additions to this equipment when the estimates were being considered. Mr. Butcher in his letter outlined arrangements whereby the board could secure military masks at a low cost.