FIRE LOSSES

North Otago Times, Volume C, Issue 13181, 9 October 1914, Page 6

FIRE LOSSES

NEW ZEALAND'S ANNUAL BILL, I

SUGGESTIONS FOB SAFETY

WELLINGTON, Oct. 7. Fire destruction of insured property valued at £181,462 was caused iu New Zealand last year, this being mi increase of £52,500 compared with the previous year,

lln giving these figures in his annual report, the Inspector of Fire Brigades, Mr'T, 11, Jingo, suggests that the losses life probably 'underestimated, Fires caused loss destruction proportionately in the twenty-two lire districts proclaimed under the Fire Brigades Act, the total losses in these areas, £8'1,007, showing a reduction of £37,287 on the previous year. To got at thd real damage by lire, the inspector adds 33 1-3 per cent, to the insured loss, and brings opt lust, year's total at £005,94"J, , The report attributes the improved position in /ire districts to improved equipmcut of the brigades,' better efflcieucy of the men and a greater knowledge of the methods of lire extinction. The woiht danger is the lato call, comments the inspectoi, tins being pur ticulaily so when the outbicak octuis in laigc wnichouses oi .stores. Ho lecoimncnds that in flu 1 common intei est the Government should piovido a gieatoi safeguaul against late discovery oi' flies by consideiing the advisability of making the installation of automatic flrp alarm* compulsory in wtnin phwj ol' builuings