FIRE ESCAPES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8757, 12 June 1914, Page 10

FIRE ESCAPES

regularly inspected. In a report on fire escapes, presented to last night’s meeting of the City Council, the city engineer (Mr W. H. Morton) expressed the opinion that it would bo unsatisfactory to appoint an officer for the solo purpose of inspecting fife escapes. “All new buildings,” he said, “are required to provide fire escapes in a manner satisfactory to the building superintendent. This requirement is given effect to before the building is completed. Particular attention is given to this matter regarding lodging houses, but all buildings receive attention. “As regards a periodical inspection, consequent upon the fact that the sanitary inspectors are continuously visiting the various parts of the city and that every house in the city is visited' on different occasions during the year. The sanitary inspectors are required to see that the fire escapes are kept in proper order, and to report where necessary cases in which it is considered sufficient fire escapes have not been provided. This system ensures the most satisfactory and regular inspection of fire escapes. “In my opinion, the present arrangement is the most satisfactory which can be devised. Mr Drummond has recently been appointed inspector of buildings under the Act, so that it will be necessary that the sanitary inspectors report to Mr Drummond all cases where attention is required, in addition to which Air Drummond will be able when inspecting buildings in course of erection to see that the requirements regarding new buildings are thoroughly mot. ' “As regards the storage of dangerous goods, this is controlled by the superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and it is advisable that such work be left in his charge, it being very necessary that he should be acquainted with all buildings in which dangerous goods are and the location of such goods. “I am of opinion that the present arrangement meets all requirements.” The fire brigade committee reported that the law was being carried out satisfactorily, and all reasonable precautions are being taken for the safety of the public.