COUNCIL AND BRIGADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16268, 29 June 1916, Page 8

COUNCIL AND BRIGADE.

DEVONPORT DIFFERENCE. Differences have arisen between the Devonport Borough Council and the local fire brigade. At the recently-held annual meeting of the latter body new officers were elected, including a captain. It is maintained by the council that the captain is always appointed by the council, and that he holds his appointment indefinitely at the joint will of the brigade and the council, and that it is usual for the brigade to elect its officers from and including lieutenant downwards. At the meeting of the brigade it was decided not to re-elect Captain Miller, who has been a member of that body for a period of 21 years. The council li not satisfied with the position of affairs, and the Mayor, Mr. J. Henderson, stated yesterday that the brigade had no authority to decide the appointment of- captain. As a matter of fact, that position had not yet become vacant, nor would it do so until Captain Miller resigned or his appointment was terminated by the council. Mr. Henderson said the differences between the two bodies had resolved into the question as to who was to be the controlling authoritythe council or the brigade. With a view to effecting an amicable settlement of the contentious points at issue, the council has made a request for Captain Hugo, Government fire brigades' inspector, to inquire into the organisation and working of the brigade generally and into the question as to whether the brigade has not become disorganised. The council proposes also to bring into force new by-laws affecting the brigade.