FIRE-FIGHTING SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14767, 24 August 1911, Page 6

FIRE-FIGHTING SCHEME.

THE GREY LYNN BRIGADE.

A PROPOSED AMALGAMATION.

A proposal to form a fire board afc Grey Lynn, was discussed at a meeting of ratepayers held in the Richmond Public Hall last evening. The Mayor of Grey Lynn (Mr. W. H. Murray) presided over a good attendance.

Mr. Murray said the members of the present brigade were giving their services gratis, and were working an awkward borough with out-of-date appliances. It was essential that appliances should be procured which would enable the firemen to. reach a fire at the earliest possible moment. The upkeep of an "up-to-date fire brigade would amount to about £250 per year. Against that it cost £140 per year for the upkeep of the present system, leaving a difference of only £110. It would not mean another rate, as the upkeep of the brigade could easily bP'paid out of the present revenue. The cost of the system complete (including a new station, equipment, fire, alarm system, a permanent staff, etc), he estimated at £2500. The Government would give a subsidy, and the insurance, companies would be required to contribute. He added that the present plant, which was valued at £322 10s, was a valuable asset.

Mr. G. J. Garland explained the law relating to the constitution of fire "boards, and agreed with the Mayer that there was no necessity for a special rite. A Voice: We have quite enough special rates now. . .

Mr. Norgrcve moved: " That this meeting of the ratepayers of Grey Lynn approve of the proposal to declare. the Grey Lynn district a fire district under the Fire Brigades.-' Act, 1908, and that a poll be taken on the proposal by the Grey Lynn Borough Council of the ratepayers of the district."

The motion was seconded by Mr. Tattersfield. ■■.-.'.. -

Mr. W. J. Holdsworth said he believed an amalgamation between the City Fire Board and a suburb was the cheapest and most efficient way of providing fire protection. Such a scheme, however, was not allowed by the Act. He advocated having the Act altered so. as to allow the district to come under the jurisdiction of the Auckland City Fire Brigade. He moved as an amendment, "That the meeting, urge the Council to use their endeavours to get the Fire Brigades' Act amended so ihafc Grey Lynn 'may be taken under the City Fire Board." . .;.- ■

The amendment was seconded.

There was some disorder towards the close of the meeting. Eventually the amendment was carried by a large majority. '