THOSE FIRE EXITS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1176, 11 July 1911, Page 6

THOSE FIRE EXITS.

A HUTT AFFAIR,

At last night's meeting of tho Hutt Borough Council a letter was received from tho Fire Brigade, asking why Councillor Hawthorn had made certain remarks when referring to a previous message, from the brigade dealing with the firo exits ia public buildings at Lower Hutt.

The Mayor said that nothing had been done whilst Mr. Hawthorn was erecting the building to which- reference was made, and the council were not responsible for remarks made by Councillor Hawthorn, who had, when brigadesruen had been present, stated that he had no animosity against them whatever. "In fact," said the Mayor, "we might take exception to some of their own remarks, l'or instance, one fireman said that tho only sympathy extended to tbo brigade was in the council's boots, and another suggested approaching the council witli a hose. These remarks do no good, and the brigade are sensitive and thin-skinned over the matter. The question, was: Would the council pass it over?"

Councillor Hawthorn said that he had absolutely nothing against the brigade, nor any man in it. He liked to live peaceably with everybody. "But," he continued, "if they invite me, I will go to their meetings /provided they are open to tho press) and tight them all. The reason why I used the expression 'personal spite' was because a certain hall has been open for twelve months and nothing has ever been mentioned about its exits."

The Mayor moved that a reply be sent, stating that the council had no intention of- casting a reflection on tho brigade, and-at a meeting of the council held later Councillor Hawthorn had fully explained to brigadesmen that ho had nothing against them, and would do all in his power to assist them in their work.

Speaking to the motion, Councillor Ball said that it was unfortunate that the thing had happened, but he was quite satisfied with the exits of the building in question, but he could not say the same for another building which had bsen let alone for some time. Ho thought that the, action on the part of the trustees in calling the brigade "panic-mongers" was unfair.

Councillor Clendon took exception to the council bearing the responsibility of a councillor's remarks. He was not prepared to say either way who was. right or wrong, and therefore lie submitted that the matter should be passed over.

After sonio discussion the motion was carried.