AUCKLAND FIRE FIGHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14486, 28 September 1910, Page 8

AUCKLAND FIRE FIGHTING.

MODERN LADDER WANTED. K STRONGER BRIGADE. [by TELEGRAPH. correspondent.] Wellington, Tuesday. The Inspector of Fire Brigades (Mr. T. Hugo), states in his annual report that lie has recommended to the consideration of the Auckland Firo Board, the advisability of obtaining another combined fire escape and ladder. The large block risks in Auckland, to which, in a number of cases, access is only possible from the frontages and from very narrow streets, render necessary the provision of a second ladder of a more modern type than that at present in use. A machine-driven ladder and operated by electricity, similar to the one lately supplied to the Liverpool, Sydney, and other brigades, is recommended. Mr. Hugo also reports having informed Board that the numerical strength of the brigade was insufficient to cope with a block fire of any magnitude in view of the rapid increase in the number of buildings of large capacity. As it would mean a considerable increase on the cost o£ maintenance to attach permanently as many men as must be considered adequate to cope with any emergency, Mr. Hugo recommended that arrangements should be made, either by the payment of a reasonable subsidy or some such other consideration as might be mutually agreed upon, with th<; volunteer brigades in the suburbs, whereby a certain number of men from each brigade would be available at a fire in the city, if ncceseary. The superintendent comments favourably on the condition of the Auckland stations, and the efficiency of the men, but says the need for more accommodation is very apparent.

Superintendent Woolley, of the Auckland Fire Brigade, states that the new ladder

recommended in the report is urgently needed. In regard to the recommendation that the strength of the brigade should be increased, the superintendent said that 12 more men will be enrolled in about a week's time as auxiliaries. They will not deep at the fire brigade station, as there is not sufficient room there to accommodate the increased number.