FIRE BRIGADES ACT.

Evening Star, Issue 13038, 5 February 1907, Page 8

FIRE BRIGADES ACT.

In an interview respecting the Fire Brigades Act. the Hon. Dr Findlay stated that when the regulations were framed they will bo submitted to experts, .-nid while this is being done the Governor will consider the question of appointing members of fire boards for each district. The. Act provides that there is to bo a fire district for each of the cities of Auckland, Wellington. Christchurch, and Dune-din, and tor any other place that iii.iv be declared by the Governor-m-Coun-i i! to be a fire district. Kach board will consist of seven members—one appointed by the Government, three by the insurance (-•mp-TJiiey. ami three by the local authority tor the district. The Act marks ;i cardinal change, in the control of firo brigades in this colony. .By section 31 the brigades pass under the control of the new boards, with all their kind and plant. The price to be paid for the plant is to be agreed to between the board and the monicdDality concerned, and it a-n amicable arrangement caimot be arrived at the amount is to be settled by arbitration. As to the financial aspect, J)r Findlay says that on or before Jane 50 in every year the board will have to submit to the Minister for his approval an estimate- of the probable expenditure jieocssary for the administration of the Act in the district for the following year, and when approved the amount will be paid in the following proportion :—The ('rovenuneint will contribute a share based on the. assumption that iis property in the district is subject to the payment of rates, and the remainder will be contributed in equal proportions by insurance i inipnrries insuring property within the fire district, and by the local authority. The :■ mount payable by each insurance cumi'iny will be pro rata to ite gross prei!iiinii receipfe tor tiie previous year.