STORY OF RESCUE

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21590, 28 November 1941, Page 6

STORY OF RESCUE

WAREHOUSE FIRE INQUIRY BRIGADE OFFICER COMMENDED ELECTRCAL INSPECTIONS AUCKLAND, Thursday Among the evidence given on the fourth day of the inquiry into the fire in the warehouse of John Bums and Company, Limited, on August 19 was the story of the rescue of an employee. Mr R. G. McWhirter. from a window ledge on the top floor of the four-storey building. The rescue was effected by Fourth-Officer Russell Preston, of the Auckland Fire Brigade. The inquiry, which is being conducted by Mr F. K. Hunt, was adjourned at the end of today’s sitting until Monday morning. Forbes Finlay Gilmore, chief electrical inspector for the Fire Underwriters’ Association of New Zealand said that under normal conditions there should not have been any ill results of Campbell’s action in dealing with the plug-point. The switchboard had no top covering as required by the regulations to prevent draught spreading any fire. To Mr North (for the Metropolitan Fire Board), witness said the fuses had not been in a condition to clear any fault in the system when the fire occurred. The object of the regulations was to place responsibility on power ooards to sec mat existing systems did not become hazardous.

“John Burns’ building has always been regarded as a dangerous fire risk and therefore should have been inspected,” witness proceeded. Regulations Being Prepared

Questioned by Mr Reed (for John Burns ana Company), witness said amendments to the regulations were being prepared for gazetting. They would deal with increased protection of switchboards.

When Mr Terry (for the Auckland Electric-Power Board) asked what regulations he suggested had not been enforced, witness said there had apparently been no inspection of the fuse caps. The supply authority had failed in its duty not to have noticed the fuse-carrier before three years. After Fourth Officer Preston had described the rescue, Mr Meredith said he would like to say how much everyone concerned in the inquiry appreciated Preston’s actions. He felt they should not go unnoted and Preston had to be congratulated on his accomplishment.

Mr Hunt: It has to be highly commended.