CHIMNEY FIRES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 29 September 1944, Page 2

CHIMNEY FIRES

CASES BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE “There seems to be a kind of epidemic of chimneys on fire. Are there no sweeps available?” inquired the T-' ltfagistrate, Mr T. E. Maunsell, this morning, when several prosecutions for allowing chimneys to catch on fire were brought. Fireman G. McKenzie replied that the trouble was that some of the chimneys were not being swept properly “You can't put a round broom into a square chimney,” he said. A certain amount of soot was left in the corners. * Jle did not know who was to blame. - « -The Magistrate (smiling) : “You never know who is going to be next." Eva Charlotte Cross and George Munro were each fined 10s and 10s ' costs The question “When is a chimney not J .a chimney?” concerned the Court when Mauricp Karsten pleaded not guilty to a similar offence. Fireman S. S. R. Moore said that there was a fire above defendant's fuel range, in the part that led to the chimney. His Worship : "Is that the chimney' l ” Witness: “I understand so. The Chimney originates from that part.” He * said the fire was left to burn out on condition that the chimney was cleaned. The Magistrate referred to Webster’s -Dictionary for the definition of a chimST^'hey. • Defendant said that a fire broke out 1 ; above the range and his wife rang for y ' the brigade. Two firemen came, but ji“T did not use the hose. He made arrangements to have the chimney clean- » • ed. but could not get a man. j. The Magistrate said that according to the dictionary the chimney began from that part of the structure which * commenced where the actual firebox

was. So apparently this fire was in the chimney. He ordered defendant i-» pay costs 10s