Organisation of Fire Services

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 61, 12 March 1941, Page 6

Organisation of Fire Services

BRIGADESMEN DISCUSS WAR POSSIBILITIES Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, March 11. The organisation of the fire services of New Zealand to meet conditions arising in the event of cities and towns being subjected to air raids was the principal subject before the conference of the United Fire Brigades’ Association yesterday and this morning. Four resolutions, to be forwarded to the Minister of National Service, were unanimously carried. An address on the Governments proposals, and emphasising the necessity for increasing the fire service personnel and equipment, so that immediate training can bo carried out, was given by the Inspector of Fire Brigades, Mr. Girling Butcher. Four resolutions were adopted as follow: “That all brigades endeavour to establish a brigade auxiliary of not less than two-thirds tho ordinary brigade strength.” The conference considered this desirable not only t-o meet possible war emergencies, but to strengthen the brigades for dealing with ordinary fires and preventing loss of material irreplaceable in war time. ‘ ‘ That the conference represent to the Minister of National Service that, in view of the fact that the fire service is definitely the first line of defence in the event of enemy attack, service in existing brigades, brigade auxiliaries or the emergency fire services be given preference over both the Home Guard and Emergency Precautions schemes, except in the case of men having special qualifications, suitable men to be interchanged.”

“That the conference approve of the formation of the emergency fire service on the basis recommended for the cities and the larger secondary towns, and the enrolment of unpaid voluntary auxiliaries, numbering not less than two-thirds of the ordinary brigade strength.” “That all auxiliaries be enrolled individually as members of the E.P.S. and every brigade be Included in the E.P.S. as a unit.”