HASTINGS FIRE BOARD.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 235, 11 September 1924, Page 4

HASTINGS FIRE BOARD.

FIRE ALARMS AND FIRST AID. SPECIAL MEETING DISCUSSION. A special meeting of the Hastings Eire Jbuaird was held this morning, at eno fire station to consider (1) the matter of getting a “first aid ’ set ror the new fire engine, and (2) to discuss the matter oi installing a fire aiarm system in Hastings. Air. u. a. Jiaduison (.Mayor) presided and Messrs. Hay, Norrie, liiorneueorge, b. 1. long and Al. Cohr were also present, . A quotation, received in Napier, for a do gahon “nrst aid” set (including Albany t}re pump) complete with 18U ieet of ' hose and three complete couplings, at £I2U, at the fire station, was suunutted.

Mr. ivorrie said that that did not include fitting on and he did not like the price. Un the motion of Mr. Norrie it was left in the hands of Inspector Hugo to make inquiries regarding the purchasing of a “first aid” equipment, and lo report to the next meeting. Regarding the installation of a fire alarm system. Air. Hay said that they, nad not decided un establishing a fire alarm system in Napier, but they were considering the duplex system, which / was supposed to be the best in the' world, rhe duplex system, of a four circuit switchboard and 20 boxes, was quoted at £IO2U installed. The telegraph Department provided the lines and erected the poles, for which the board would have to pay £5 a year per mile rent. In Dannevirke the board desired to establish a fund to instal the alarm system, but the Government objected, as it was not legal. The chairman desired to know if, with the instalment of the fire alarm system, in conjunction with their new fire engine and their up-toAlate plant, the public might expect a reduction in their insurance rates. Air. Norrie: Of course we can’t say anything about that, as we are not here officially representing the underwriters, but water supply, the efficiency of a brigade, a brigade’s equipment and the alarm system were factors taken into consideration when making alterations of rates in a town. It should bo remembered that the installation would be a saving to the public also. I think that Hastings is big enough to warrant the installation.

On the motion of the chairman and Mr. Norrie, it was decided to write Mr. Porton, of the Duplex Company, Dunedin, inviting him to Hastings to report on this system. On the motion of the chairman and Mr. Norrie, it was decided to w’rite the Underwriters’ Association, drawing attention to the equipment of the brigade and to the suggested installation of the alarm system, and asking what effect the installation would have on the insurance rates.