PAST YEAR'S FIRES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22401, 23 April 1936, Page 7

PAST YEAR'S FIRES

MANY FALSE ALARMS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Estimates providing for an expenditure of £32.827 during the present financial year were approved by the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board at its annual meeting yesterday. With revenue estimated at £1175, a balance of £492 brought forward, and a grant of £4OO from the Government, the amount to be levied by the board this year will be £30,760. . The report of the superintendent, Mr. TV. L. Wilson, for the year ended March 31, stated that 596 calls were received, of which 234 were property iires. S4 grass or rubbish. 87 chimneys, and 167 false alarms. Of the false alarms, 114 were justifiable and 53 malicious. The most serious losses were: —April 3, 1935, St. Mark's Church, Remuera Road', £2670; April 5, J. S. Bell, Limited, furniture factory, £2988; September 8, Dixieland Cabaret, £5259; March 28, 1936, J. E. Sutcliffe, Limited, Mount Eden. £2330. Injuries were suffered by persons on four occasions, and minor injuries to firemen were recorded on eight occasions. The report was adopted, members expressing appreciation of the efficiency of the brigade, and of the. services of the superintendent, secretary and staff. In hitf 4 monthly report to' the middle of this month, the superintendent stated that 40 calls had been received, of which 16 were actual fires, 10 grass or rubbish, two chimneys, and 11 false alarms. During Fire Prevention Week 18,742 circulars were issued to houses, factories, shops, and offices, and 1250 telephone cards. Members of the staff gave lectures at all the primary schools in the board's area.