A RECENT FIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19986, 19 December 1934, Page 5

A RECENT FIRE

SPARK FROM ENGINE BLAMED COMPLAINTS IGNORED By Telegraph—Pi ess Association AUCKLAND, December 18.* Strong complaints that the Railway Department had taken no action to lessen the incidence of grass caused by sparks from locomotives were expressed by members of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board at a meeting of the Board to-night, when the Brigade Superintendent stated that the evidence definitely pointed to the conclusion that the recent serious outbreak of fire at the Morningside Timber Coy’s, mill was a result of sparks from an engine igniting the grass near the railway embankment. The damage was estimated at between £16,000 and £17,000. When it was suggested that strong representations should be made to the Department, the chairman, Mr J. J. Kingston, said that the matter had been broached time after time, but nothing had been done to have it rectified. The position was a serious one, and some action would have to be taken. “We may get some satisfaction if we keep hammering away at the Department,” he remarked. The position might be somewhat alleviated if locomotives were equipped with spark catchers and burned harder coal. Endorsement of the chairman’s remarks was expressed by other members.

The Superintendent reported that of 69 grass or rubbish fires attended by the brigade from November 20 to December 12, altogether 43 had been caused by sparks from locomotives. The Board decided to request Mr Girling-Butcher, inspector of fire brigades, to bring the matter to the attention of the Minister of Railways.