FIRE PREVENTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 16

FIRE PREVENTION

CHANGES IN CONTROL ROLE OF LOCAL BODIES LEGISLATION BEING FRAMED £BY TELEGRAPH OWX CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON, Wednesday A complete change in the method of controlling fire prevention measures in the Dominion is embodied in legislation being framed by the of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, for presentation to the new Parliament. An announcement of this nature made some time ago by the Minister is stated to have created an impression that the usual elections of fire boards, to take place next month, will not be proceeded with. However, this is incorrect, the Minister stating that the Government now has under consideration the lists of Government members of the 55 fire boards existing in New Zealand, and that next month the usual stops will bo taken for their elections.

"When the legislative* programme for the session is being considered by Cabinet," added Mr. Parry, "I intend to submit proposals for a change in the present system of fire protection, but no change can be made until legislation is adopted." Fairly Unanimous Agreement The changes mentioned by the Minister have received consideration by the fire insurance companies and local authorities, and there appears to be a fairly unanimous agreement that the fire board system requires modification.

The system came into operation in 1906, when the growing need for improved lire protection appliances threw into high relief the anomalous system of financing fire brigades, which were maintained by the local authorities, who in some cases received voluntary donations from insurance companies operating in their area, the companies being entitled to representation on the boards.

However, this system is not universal, foT, as the Minister pointed out to the last Municipal Conference, numerous municipalities maintain their own fire brigades without aid from the insurance companies whose interests they protect. He put forward a proposal that fire protection should revert to the local authorities, subject to their setting up a statutory committee, on which insurance companies would be represented. Uniformity Sought To secure more uniformity in the fire protection services, the Minister stated that it was proposed to set up a National Fire Council, on which the Fire Underwriters' Association, the Municipal Association, the Fire Brigades' Association and the Government would be represented. Local authorities' estimates in relation to fire protection would be submitted to this central body for approval, and. while Subsidies would not be demanded from the companies where the protective services were inadequate, they would contribute in all other cases, and the subsidy would be distributed on equitable lines by the central body, whose recommendations making for efficient service would be capable of enforcement. '