RURAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 137 



present haphazard and wasteful system. Whatever regulations are 

 necessary to reduce fire risks and to control construction for purposes 

 of fire prevention are at the same time effective in improving sani- 

 tary conditions. What is called the "moral hazard" in rural dis- 

 tricts is caused, in a large measure, by the temporary and fleeting 

 interest of the so-called "settler" on his property, because, — notwith- 

 standing the fact of his ownership, — the conditions of settlement, the 

 temporary character of his buildings, and the difficulty of making 

 ends meet render him careless and indifferent. 



The restriction of the proportion of a lot that can be built upon 

 in suburban areas, of the height of buildings, or of the character of 

 the material used in towns or villages, have all a bearing on the ques- 

 tion of fire as well as on that of sanitation. 



Apartment houses, hotels, and other buildings of that class are 

 erected in rural districts without being required to have fireproof 

 construction or to have sufficient space surrounding them to provide 

 adequate light, air, and means of protection from fire. Paving of 

 yards is neglected, and wooden buildings are permitted to be erected 

 in close proximity to one another. Factories and residences are in- 

 discriminately erected in the same districts, with the result that the 

 residences adjoining factories have to meet excessive rates for fire 

 insurance. 



New towns and villages are laid out and developed without pro- 

 vision for cleared areas between them and forest areas. The system 

 of developing land and encouraging speculation prevents proper re- 

 strictions being placed on the location and construction of buildings 

 to prevent fires. By more effective control of land speculation, fire 

 risks could be reduced in areas being developed for building purposes. 

 It should be a rule that no dwelling should be occupied till a water 

 supply was provided, and that, where several buildings were erected 

 in close proximity, the supply should be in a water main under pres- 

 sure. If less money were paid for bare land there would be more 

 capital available for securing proper construction and sanitary 

 conditions. 



Development Schemes and Fire Prevention 



With respect to the question of preparing development schemes 

 to assist in securing better control of fires, the following advantages 

 may be pointed out: — 



(1) The closer settlement, by better planning, will enable the 

 population to deal more effectively with fires by co-operative means 

 and to effect a larger amount of clearance of forest areas. 



