STATE CANNOT REST CONTENT WITH THE PRESENT SYSTEM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22728, 28 August 1948, Page 6

STATE CANNOT REST CONTENT WITH THE PRESENT SYSTEM

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 28. ‘The present system of fire brigades’ administration seems top heavy and so Tar at least as regaras training and care of personnel it seems ineffective," states the Ballantyne’s Fire Inquiry Commission. “There are 100 municipal , brigades and 60 fire boards. There are 479 permanent firemen in 22 brigades ana 252 members of fire boards. There has been so far no evidence that these 60 boards have any common policy affecting the welfare of fire brigadesmen of New Zealand or measures to be taken to prevent fire throughout New Zeaxhree Qualified Men

“A commission of three qualified men appointed fur a term at a full-time salary could competently supervise and control fire-fighting and the technical and administrative work of the organisation. One member should be thoroughly experienced in fire fighting. The task such a commission would face would take a ll its time to discharge. “From them there could be an appeal to the Minister. Their duties would necessitate the setting up and supervision of a school or college for training and, until that is possible, the inauguration of a system of lectures and examinations under qualified men. “It might be desirable to seek the services of a qualified official of the English College for Firemen to sit with the commission for a period and render advice. Would Make Promotions “The supervision of all brigades would be undertaken by the commission and all promotion would be made by it after scrutinising a candidate» record in examinations and courses of instruction and training taken. “It has been suggested that the question of finance might prove a stumbling block to such a complete change in organisation controlling fire prevention and fire brigades. At “one international conference mentioned in evidence it was suggested That the insurance companies should pay the

whole of the charges concerned. If this suggestion were adopted the charge oj, the rates would be abolished.

'Counsel for the fire underwriters told the commission that they were prepared to meet the additions to expenditure required by fire boards. “Counsel fof the Crown replied that the insurance companies regulated thenpremiums in relation to the contribution they made and in their internal accounts debited their contribution to expenses. Rights of Insurers J “If the Crown contention is correct it seems that those who foot the bill, the insurers, are entitled to have the administration of the brigade in the hands of independent managers, and not in the hands of those with separate and distinct interests.

“The Crown at present . contributes some £4833 annually, a sum entirely disproportionate' to the number of large buildings and institu'ions in its hands or under its control and on which it does not pay rates. “Counsel for the Crown also said that any compulsory regulations to safeguard the public against fire danger and risk of life should be binding on the Crown. If the Crown took the view that the payments should be made by the insurance companies, or by a levy on premiums, it. seems only just that to the fund the Crown, whether it Insures or not. should contribute an arpount equal to the premiums they would have paid if they insured. Requisites For Efficiency

"In making our recommendations we have endeavoured to set out the requisites for efficiency. If the Government is satisfied, ns we think it should be satisfied, that there are in New Zealand a great number of buildings which members of the public are invited to serve in or occupy, and that their construction constitutes a real danger to both properly and life, it cannot in the public interest afford to rest content with the present measures of prevention and the present organisation of our fire-fighting service. “If legislation is passed, whatever form it takes and whatever measures are taken to secure efficiency, they will necessarily be revolutionary. But such measures are. in our opinion, urgently needed if loss by fire is to be minimised and the lives of occupants when fire breaks out are to be «fficiently safeguarded.”