FALSE FIRE ALARMS

Evening Star, Issue 14998, 4 October 1912, Page 6

FALSE FIRE ALARMS

AND A SUBSTANTIAL FINE. In the Police Court this morning, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., the facts concerning the false alarms given to the City Fire Brigade a week ago were ventilated, and resulted in the culprit being severely fined. George Murdock was charged that, on September 26, at Dunedin, he did wilfully give to the. Dunedin City Firo Brigade a false alarm of fire. Ho pleaded guilty. Chief-detective Herbert said ho would direct His Worship’s attention to section 48 of the Fire Brigades Act. The accused was in Bastings’s Hotel when he rang up the brigade, telling them to come quickly to a fire in Cumberland street. The brigade turned out, of course, but it was a false alarm. They had just got back to the station when another ring came ; it would be about a quarter of an hour later. This was the second false alarm that night. Accused; There were three. Inspector Hugo broke the glass once. The Chief-detective, continuing, said that in consequence of inquiries mad© by Detective Ward accused was taxed with the offence. At first ho denied it, but subsequently admitted the offence. The Magistrate: Do I understand that accused was responsible for both alarms? Chief-detective: No. He. denies the second offence, and we cannot prove it; but it seems peculiar that two false alarms should be given. Continuing, he said that there, was very nearly a serious accident between tho engine arid a motor car. The Fire Board were about to put in a new system of fire indicators. In the past there had been a great deal of trouble over these false alarms. Some salutary lesson needed to bo given the accused and the public generally who were disposed to play these so-called practical jokes. They did not know accused’s condition ns to sobriety, but it was hardly likely that a perfectly sober man would do such a thing. Accused admitted he had had drink, but stated that someone came along the street and said there was a fire in Cumberland street, and he foolishly went and rang up the brigade. The Magistrate; I suppose it is a matter of some expense for tho brigade to turn out with their appliances P Chief-detective; Yes, sir. The Magistrate pointed out that this was regarded as a most serious offence, the maximum penalty being £SO. Accused would bo fined £5, with costs (7 s). Accused asked for time to pay, and was allowed two weeks.