EMERGENCY FIRES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 57, 9 March 1946, Page 2

EMERGENCY FIRES

MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE x Gi borne, March 7. Delegates to the United Fire BriConference, after discussing the recent fire emergency in the Taupo district, instructed the executive to make i epresentations to the Mini t-r of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry), with a view to the organisation of a more efficient emergency fire-fighting service. Superintendent N. G. Buick (Palmerston Nor.hl expressed the opinion that better organisation was needed to handle a rational emergency like the bush fires in the Taupo district Paying a tribute to the work of the fire-fighters in the area, he claimed that the organisation was inadequate and a lot of the equipment employed was unreliable. The conference unanimously paised a Gisborne remit advocating that in all cases where members of the fire sen ice use their own oa:s in the interests of fire protection, priority he given to application for motor tyres. On the ground that it might make it too easy to build up marks without producing efficiency in handling gear, the conference rejected a Milton remit that members of brigades who had to work overtime on night shifts be given their attendance marks. A Geraldine remit, .'uggesting that the Government be asked to abolish or remit sales tax on fire-fighting anpliances was passed unanimously. It was stated that sales tax on an i'.em cf recently ordered for Auckland city totalled £3OOO. The Auckland metroDolitan brigade’s invitation to hold the 1947 conference and demor st ration in Auckland was accepted. The following officers were elected: President. Superintendent A. Stewart fTaurang*); vice-ore Idenu, Superintendents C. Corah (Reeftun) and N. G. Buick (Palmerston North) auditor, Mr. D. S. Smith (Auckland’.