LESSONS TAUGHT BY FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24203, 19 February 1942, Page 6

LESSONS TAUGHT BY FIRE

The findings of the Commission appointed to inquire into the fire in the premises of John Burns and Company are definite and practical. They would have served a useful purpose at any time and are especially valuable now, when it is imperative that every safeguard against fire should be raised to the highest pitch of efficiency. The Minister of Internal Affairs has been quick to appreciate the point and bas had the Commission's report sent to the Government departments and other bodies concerned. In addition the City Council and the Fire Board have lost no time in learning the lessons so grimly taught by the fire. The council is giving immediate consideration to the passing of the current draft of the by-laws being prepared by the Standards Institute dealing with the provision of fireescapes and the fire-proofing of lift

wells and other vertical openings. Thus a dangerous gap should be filfed until the final draft is ready. Mr. Hunt's suggestion concerning appeals in the interim seems a proper one and the Mayor has accepted it. The fire brigade deserves | public congratulation at emerging from a searching inquiry with credit, contrary to some snap judgments made at the time. A weakness in the organisation of the watchroom —one that did not affect the course of this particular fire—was brought to light and has promptly been remedied. It is a good thing at this time that the inquiry should have caused'the system of liaison between the brigade and the police and waterworks to be drawn closer and made more instant. Finally the very sharp findings on the declared failure of the Power Board to discharge its responsibility for the periodical inspection of electrical installations should prove salutary. The public will wish to be satisfied that the board is taking appropriate action.