FIREMEN AT THEATRE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 101, 9 April 1936, Page 13

FIREMEN AT THEATRE

Question of Paying Extra 1 Men WAIPUKURAU METHOD From Our Own Correspondent WAIPUKURAU. April 8. Under an arrangement between the Waipukurau Borough Council and the Waipukurau Piro Board, the Borough Council pays so much for fireman duty in the Municipal Theatre and decides the number ol firemen required. This arrangement was the subject of criticism at the annual meeting of the Fire Board held this evening when the superintendent, Mr J. A. Chambers, stated that although there wore occasions when one fireman was not sufficient to adequately control the situation, and he put extra firemen on duty, the council refused to pay and protested at the extra firemen being put on duty. Mr Chambers said that if he was not to be allowed to put extra firemen cn, then he would have to prosecute when people were packing the aisles and exits, as they have done at recent, concerts and political meetings. It was emphasised that the firemen protected the borough property and that consequently the borough should pay for this protection. “Proper control of the theatre with one fireman is impossible when the hail is packed,” said the superintendent “I can’t shift them with one man, and it is my responsibility. It is most unfair for the borough to expect one man to do the whole job. I should have some jurisdiction. If the borough expects one man to do the duty, then if people arc standing in the aisles and exits, I’ll have to prosecute —and 1 don’t want to do that.” Mr W. Watson remarked that it was often overlooked that a fire superintendent had other responsibilities besides actual fires. ' Tho chairman, Mr W. G. Bryce, suggested that it was difficult for the council to estimate its requirements. Tho secretary, Mr H. V. Smart, explained that the borough, in hiring out the hall, included tho fire duty charge, and if more firemen were put on then the hire would have to be increased, and those who hired the hail objected. “If tho superintendent decides that more than one fireman is necessary, Is the Borough Council ,to over-ride him?” questioned Mr "Watson.

“There is room for a more reasonable attitude between the borough and the Fire Board,” commented Mr A. Sinclair, “The amount involved (3/4 per fireman) is so small that surely tho borough is not going to run the risk of someone being hurt,” said Mr Watson. The secretary pointed out that in the other halls in the town no firemen were required. “It’s not a question of money,” said Mr Chambers, “but whether the number of firemen is sufficient. I am going to see that the Fire Boards Act is enforced and I can do that with one fireman, but I can’t protect the borough property and stop smoking unless 1 can have extra firemen on duty when required.” Members agreed that the responsibility rested on the superintendent if anything happened. Mr Sinclair offered to investigate tho matter of how it was treated in Napier and Hastings. “If the council is only going to have one fireman then they will have to detail his duties. I’ll do my part,” concluded Mr Chambers. On the suggestion of the chairman it was agreed to let the question rest, the chairman to approach tho Mayor and discuss the matter.