SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS

Southland Times, Issue 24573, 23 October 1941, Page 4

SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS

City Fire Brigade The resignation of the superintendent of the Invercargill Fire Brigade (Mr F. S. Simpson), who was appointed to the brigade 18 years ago, was received by the Fire Board yesterday. A suggestion was made by Mr D. Harris that the chairman and secretary prepare a statement for publication, but it was not supported. It was decided to advertise the position. The general committee reported that the resignation of the superintendent had been received. It recommended that he be released on leave due to him next Monday and that he be granted an additional four weeks’ leave on full pay. The recommendation was adopted without comment. At a later stage it was decided to place the brigade under the charge of the deputy-superintendent (Mr R. A. Robertson) after the departure of Mr Simpson. Mr Robertson has latterly been engaged entirely on E.P.S. work. The chairman of the board (Mr W. G. Tait) said he appreciated the courtesy he had always received from Mr Simpson and the pleasant relations which had existed between them. If Mr Simpson had the fortune to obtain a good position in the north, he hoped he would enjoy good health and good luck. Mr Simpson said that as it was the last meeting of the board at which he would be present, he would like to suggest that the board prepare a complete ‘ schedule of duties for the new superintendent. “When I came here, I was appointed by the Borough Council on a very open agreement, which, unfortunately, cannot be found now,” Mr Simpson said. “I would suggest that in its new appointment the board prepare a full schedule of duties, leave and all other matters. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the secretary (Mr L. S. Graham) for his many courtesies and the help he has given me.” STATEMENT SUGGESTED Mr Harris moved that the chairman and secretary be given authority to prepare a statement for publication. Mr R. R. Binney: My personal opinion is that the least said the soonest mended. Other members supported Mr Binney and the motion lapsed. Mr R. T. Parsons said he was prepared to move that the matter of a recent inquiry be closed and that no further action be taken.

Mr Harris said he was opposed to business being taken in committee. He had always objected to it. The Press representatives could be relied on to use their discretion in any delicate matters. The ratepayers were entitled to know the business being done by local bodies, as they had to find the money. Mr Parsons said the inquiry he had referred to did not mean that the superintendent was at fault. It was a general inquiry into the organization of the brigade to discover if mistakes were being made. As a result, questions about fire escapes, the inspection of buildings and other subjects would be fully discussed at the next meeting of the board.