Fire Board Meets

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7194, 28 June 1933, Page 8

Fire Board Meets

GENERAL BUSINESS TRANSACTED The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) was in the chair at the quarterly meeting of the Palmerston North Eire Board yesterday. Others present were Messrs L. 11. Collinson, J. Ilodgensand Y. M. Edgar (Wellington). An apology for absence was received from Mr D. S. N. McCartney (Wellington). The report of the superintendent, Mr W. 11. Barnard, stated:—"The brigade has received, during the past quarter, IS calls made up as follow: False alarms 5 (3 of which were malicious), grass 1, chimney 6, rubbish 2, car in street 1; actual fires 7, making a total of 22. Estimated loss not covered by insurance, contents £l, buildings £10; estimated loss covered by insurance £ll3 10s, £176 8s; insurance on property on which films occurred, £3OO, £825; estimated value on which fires occurred, £5Bl l'os, £985; estimated total loss, £ll4 10s, £lB6 Bs. As instructed I have considered the question of water sumps in various positions in the city in case of the town supply failing or an earthquake. I have consulted the city engineer to ascertain if he could give me any information with respect to the depth of the natural water level, he being unable to do so. I would therefore suggest that a trial sump be dug in the fire station yard to ascertain the water level so as to be able to estimate the cost. The city engineer concurs with me as to the digging. He also states that the labour could be done under the No. 5 scheme, it being only necessary to provide the timber for protecting the men while sinking the sump. The present strength of the brigade in all ranks is 27. The attendance of firemen at fires and drills has been satisfactory. The new motor pump ordered by the board is expected to be finished about the end of the present month.. ’’

The chairman commented that the volume of water would need to be very big for the sumps, but the superintendent said that he was confident that tests should be carried out. The chairman asked what the pressure was and the superintendent said that it varied from 301 bin the day sometimes to 901 b, or 751 b at night. Some discussion took place on the presence of 4in mains and it was decided that the matter be held over until the next meeting, when it is to be further discussed.

Mr Edgar, in reading a letter from the Underwriters’ Association, stated that all companies had been requested to co-operate as far as was possible with fire boards in respect to furnishing the particulars of insurance and fire loss, which were required for statastical purposes.

Superintendent Barnard explained that the letter was the outcome of overtures made by him. Previously he had experienced considerable difficulty in securing the necessary details from agents. Under the Act it was essential that the particulars be furnished. The secretary (Mr C. V. Day): Practically every company written to has signilied its intention to assist. On the suggestion of the chairman a letter of appreciation of their efforts is to bn sent to the Underwriters’ Association. Mr Edgar pointed out that if a town had a good record in respect to fires the insurance companies showed their appreciation by lowering their rates. Messrs Onglcy and Tremaine were appointed the board’s solicitors.