FIRE WATCHING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24836, 9 February 1942, Page 6

FIRE WATCHING

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—lf your interpretation of the intention of the committee in charge of the fire watching section of the EP.S. is correct, namely, that it is proposed to put into immediate effect the provision xor fire Watchers who will guard large buildings, sleeping on the premises—and official silence in regard to your criticism of the proposal would seem to support your view—an amazing position; stands revealed. It is one which calls for vigorous protest not only on behalf of the intended victims of such an absurdity, but also on behalf of those firms which will be t put to considerable expense in providing accommodation for men whose services may never be required. It would be interesting to know the reasons which, impelled those responsible to reach such a panicky decision. Do they envisage a sudden and virulent epidemic of incendiarism among the citizens of Dunedin or do they assume that the local fire brigades have suffered a total eclipse of efficiency and have gone out of business? , The proposal to have an efficient fire-fighting organisation ready for action in case of emergency is one that deserves, and will receive, the support of everyone; but to suggest that such a body can function efficiently only by sleeping for weeks, possibly months, on premises which, as we all profoundly hope, may never require their services, is not only nonsense, but *a revealing instance of authority run amok.—l am, etc.. Sixty.