NELSON BOARD OF WORKS

Thursday, Febrcary 16. Present : Mr. Bentley, iv the chair, Messrs. Everett, Carter, and Graham. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Bentley presented the following report in reference to the proposed Fire-Brigade : — " Report. "At a preliminary meeting of the representatives of the Insurance agents, Messrs. Edwards andSoaifc, and myself on behalf of the Board of Works (Messrs. Everett and Burn being absent), it wa3 reported by Mr. EJwarJs thit part of the money promised haJ been received from the Insurance agents, and that the whole amount, including the vote of the Board of Works, would be a sum of £20). It was suggested that, if means allowed, another fire-bell should be erected nearer the Government Buildings, as it was founi that the present bell was not heard on the eastern part of the city. Another suggestion was that a stop to the water in the sewer should be put opposite Hardy-street, similar to the one at Bridge-street. The committee felt that a supply of water for the eastern portion of the city was very desirable, but the funds at their present disposal rrere total) j- inadequate for the purpose. "la reference to the Fire-Brigade, it was agreed that a captain should be first appointed, who should then choose his officers and men ; that the Brigade should meet for practice for about three hours once a month, and that the payment should be as follow* ;—; —

One captain at per month . . . 010 0 Foui lieutenants »t 6j. per month . .14 0 Twenty meu at 3d. per month . .300 Plumber 2 0 0 Sundries 0 6 0 Per month . . . .£7OO "Dresses also would be provided, the cost of which — twenty at £1 ss. each, and five at £2 each — would amount to £35.

" It was proposed that for attendance at a fire one shilling per hour extra should be paid to the men and a proportionate Bum to the officers. "It will thus be seen that the working expenses for the first year will amount to £84; tho cost of clothing £35 ; leaving a balance of £81 for payment at fires and other contingencies. "It was also resolved to offer Mr. E. Everett the captaiucy of the Brigade, as the committee considered him the most competent person in Nelson to undertake this important charge." The Chairman then read the following correspondence ;—; —