FIRE BRIGADE MATTERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5056, 6 March 1900, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE MATTERS.

\ At the meeting of the Borough Council, on Moaday night, the fire inspector reported on the recent fire in Wills Street, and complained that no hordes were available. The Mayor se.id ho had made enquiries of Mr Newm n the contractor for horaeirsg the Brigade's plant, as to why no horses were avaiubit'. Mr Newman had explained that he was himself absent from the town, and his men did not get back from the freezing woika tilt hrvH pasc eleven on Saturday night, and forgot all about taking the hor.es to the Brigade stables. The arrangement was that Newman should be switch-d on to the telephone each night, but this, too, had been omitted on this occasion.

Cr Thomas said the ratepayers would never $et satisfaction until the Council supplied their own horses* (Jr Davis thought the present arrangement should be discontinued, and the Council keep their own hordes, The same thing was constantly occurring, and would come day re u't in serious trouble.

His Woiship said the present arrangement, was made because the Ccuncl's horses were too heavy for the w.-rk lie did not apeak as a practical mm, but it stemeJ to him a mistake to gallop the horces lound the town us was dope, when it took only three or four niinntes to reach the fire, and by that time Bteam was not up on the engir.e. Ho thought tha Brigade might tike more b me.

Members thought both man and horses gor, excite 1. Or I hennas contended the Council's horses were t^o heavy. They required a good spring dray hoise that, could move round smartly, and take i's one and a half tons to any part of the borough. Such a horse would do for the engine Their present horses were much too heavy for fire brigade woik with the exception of one, whiuh wou'd answer admirably. The best thing they could do, was to get another one like it and use them. The contract) with Mr Newman was looked up. The penalty for not having horses ready was £1. Cra Pauling and Davis thought the tiae should be inflicted. A motion to that) tff ct was lost.

Cr Scaly thought the contract should be terminated.

Cr Davison thought that would be dealing rather harshly with the contractor. He was scarcely to blame under the circumstances.

Cr Pauling thought it would bo a mistake to terminate the contract. If the contractor would carry out his agreement, it was better to maintain the existing arrangements, his men would get aecuutomed to the work. Finally, on the motion of Or Thomas, seconded by Or Davidson, it was decided to draw the attention of Mr Newman to the f»ct tha*, he had rendered h.msolf liable to * fioe of £1, and that shcul<i a breach of contract occur again, the fine would be enforced.