FIRE BRIGADES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7181, 4 June 1891, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADES.

PROPOSALS OP THE WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL. [Pbb Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, June 3. A Committee of the City Council has drafted a Fire Brigade Bill, which it ia proposed to submit to the Municipal Conference. It provides that on March 1, 1892, Fire Brigade Boards shall be constituted in such Boroughß in the Colony as shall be proclaimed by Gaselte notice to be districts under the new Act, each of such Boards to consist of seven members, viz., two appointed by the Governor in Council, two by the Borough Council and two by the Insurance Companies, with a President appointed by the Governor in Council. One of each clasß of members is to retire annually, and the President is to hold office for a year. An insurance company contributing any leas than .£lO a year to the maintenance of the brigade is to have one vote in the election of insurance representatives ; a contribution of less than <£30 entitles the company to two votes, and a contribution o! .£3O or more, three votes. The duties of each Board wiE be to superintend all means for the protection of plant and property from fire, and to maintain properly-equipped Fire Brigades. The Board is also to have power to regulate the height of buildings and the nature of their roofs, the payment of compensation to members of Brigades or their survivors in case of injury or accidental death, and the construction of houses of public entertainment or concourse, and the providing of fire escapes therefor. Important provisions aio added in regard to the responsibilities of owners of uninsured buildings or personal property. It is proposed that owners shall be made liable to the Board for expenses incurred by the Brigade in protecting such property from fire, or for such charges as may be determined by regulation. Such expenses and charges are in no case to exceed one-fifth of the value of properties saved, and are to be rateably apportioned between insured and uninsured properties. If an insured personal property is destroyed in an uninsured building, all expenses incurred in the fire and extinguishment are to be borne by the owner of the premises. The owner of any uninsured property outside tha building from which a fire may spread, is to incur similar liability. Funds for the maintenance of the Brigades are to be contributed in equal proportions by Government, Borough Councils and Insurance Companies, in accordance with an estimate to be made by the Fire Brigade Board in March of each year. The contributions of Insurance Companies to Brigades' funds are to be divided among the Companies in proportion to their premium receipts for the year, of which returns are to be furnished to the Board.