The Waikato Independent TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930. TO-MORROW’S POLL.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2425, 9 December 1930, Page 4

The Waikato Independent TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930. TO-MORROW’S POLL.

To-morrow (Wednesday) a poll of the ratepayers of the borough will be taken to decide whether. Cambridge will change the administration of its firefighting service from a voluntary municipal one to a Fire District, controlled by a board. Cambridge has been very well served in the past by its volunteer brigade. We do not need to again enlarge upon the value of its personal service for it is generally recognised and appreciated, especially in the face of the handicap of limited equipment. We are not suggesting that the Borough Council has been niggardly in its treatment of the brigade. It has done its best in the face of financial hardship, and this brings us to the wisdom of supporting the introduction of a fire district administered by a board.' In the past the ratepayers have had to bear the entire financial brunt of maintaining their fire fighting service, despite the fact that most people arc paying considerable sums in insurance premiums. The insurance companies have had the benefit„of the brigade’s services, yet they have not contributed one penny piece in their, own interests. Under the administration of a Fire Board maintenance of the brigade would bo provided as follows: Government, 10 per cent; Insurance Companies, 45 per cent; and Council, 45 per cent. Of course under such' administration the standard required of the fire-fighting equipment is reasonably high, and it must not be expected that the cost to the ratepayers will be much below the present subsidy provided However, the provision of a Fire Board should result in bringing the equipment of the brigade thoroughly up to-date, at no additional cost to the ratepayers. They would feel more secure in that a Fire Board would make for a more contented brigade, and then. agxtn it is reasonable to expect a reduction to some extent in fire insurance premiums, re. a result of the more efficient service provided. Provided that the new order does not involve the ratepayers in a large expenditure for a new fire station, or standard reticulation in die immediate future, and we are assured that the existing service will fill the bill for some years to come, then we have no hesitation in recommending ratepayers to vote for the proposal on Wednesday. It •is not a gamble in any way, for we have the experiences of neighbouring boroughs, -well satisfied with their firefighting services under the administration of a Fire .Board.