FIRE BOARD CHARGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 57, 11 March 1946, Page 5

FIRE BOARD CHARGES

GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR EXPLAINS POLI. .

(P.A.) Gisborne, March 8. Addressing the Dominioin Fire Brigades’ Conference, Mr. R. Girling Butcher, Government Inspector of Fire Brigades, expressed regret at the element of suspicion implied in the association’s report, that the recommendation of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government had been altered without reference to th? bod es concerned. He asserted that the Opoliki remit, passed earlier expressing disapproval of any attempt by the Government to do away with Fire Board control was actually in tune with the Minister’s promise, and strengthened the Government's hand’in framing legislation. He added that before details of the scheme became law the association’s executive and technical officers would have a chance to consider them. It was now proposed that brigade:-, not under Fire Board control should be included in a scheme that would bo financially advantageous to them. The proposed legislation would not interfere with existing Fire Boards, but there would be means to simplify reversion to local body control.

Dealing with emergency fire services Mr. Butcher said the recent bush fire emergency, which cost over £1,000,000, had not been handled in the best way possible for the fire services to be properly organised and equipped. Efforts were not properly co-ordinated, and a move was now afoot to create an organisation controlled locally and able to operate nationally.