EXPLOSION ON THE BREEZ

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9721, 25 July 1917, Page 2

EXPLOSION ON THE BREEZ

MENTIONED TN. PARLIAMENT. SAFETY REGULATIONS , ASKED ■■■ ■ : 1"- ■ x The explosion qn the steamer Breez> was- referred to in’ the Mouse of Repro jesterday. Mr C. H. Poole, member -lot Auckland West, asked the Si-mister for Marine whether his attention had Been"drawn to the 1 facts Oi this explosion 'as reported in the morning -pafibr, and whether, in view of other similar, recent cases he would take steps;.. W;spe that regulations were made., to provide for the safetj of the lives oil those whose work place-;, them near such .- vessels. In reply the. Minister said that the Marine Department had been .watching this matter very closely. Reports had been received about recent expio-' sions, particularly in connection with the Arnhura • case. In the Dominion the department 'had not yet received sufficient experience in the handling ol oil. y; Mr Poole: “We have received a few hints lately.” (Laughter.) Mr Russell: “Wo" are taking note of the hints and are studying them all the time. It is intended to secure information 1 about the regulations in fox-ce in other countries.” The Minister added that the regulations would have to he issued at once making it a penal offence for any woi-kei to carry a naked light in the vicinity of dangerous cargoes. Danger would be averted in this wayl ' Mr Payne (Grey Lynn) asked the Minister, if he would . look into the matter of these mysterious, fires from the point'of view‘of their having been brought about by chemical means. Mr Russell said.,that his attention had not been directed to this aspect of the matter,' but that inquiries would bo made.