Hastings Fire Brigade.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6268, 2 October 1891, Page 3

Hastings Fire Brigade.

ANOTHER PHASE.

A TEST CASE TO BE BROUGHT,

(own coebkspondent.)

It will be remembered that notices were sent to each member of the H.V.F. Brigade calling upon them to give up their uniforms to the Town Clerk within seven days. In answer to this the secretary wrote stating that no individual member had a right to deal with the uniforms without permission of the Brigade. A meeting would be called to consider the question. At the Council meeting last night His Worship the Mayor asked if any of the uniforms or other property had been returned, when the Town Clerk replied in the negative. A letter had been sent to Captain Beck, asking him to meet Fire Inspector Tong. Answers had been received from them both stating that the conference had taken place, but that satisfactory terms were not arrived at. A draft deed drawn up by Mr Cornford was then submitted to the Council by the Firo Brigade. It was thought inadvisable to consider it at that stage. The Mayor: In accordance with the special meeting, it is my intention, subject to the opinion of the borough solicitors, to demand from one of the members the uniform he holds. I propose to draw the name by lot, and if the member so drawn refuses to surrender the uniform, he be sued in the R.M. Court at the next sitting for the value of it, and nominal damages. In reply to Or. Foreman, it was stated that the arbitration of the Mayor with reference to the amicable settlement had been ■declined. Cr. Fitzßoy said it was with considerable regret that he seconded the motion of His Worship The Mayor. His only reason was that he saw no other alternative, than to bring the matter bofore a Court of Law. He, however, thought that the proceedings should bo taken against the captain or secretary.

The Mayorsaid his only object in suggesting the name being drawn was to avoid all suspicion of partiality. Or. Foreman said that if they thought of suing the captain it would be just as well to first ascertain if ho had a uniform.

•It was then resolved without dissent to bring a test case before the R.M. at the next sitting. Or- Murdoch moved " That the services of those persons named by Mr Tong at a former gathering bo accepted as a Brigade, and that any subsidy of tho Council bo handed to them."Cr. Foreman seconded.

The Mayor could not agree to the latter part of the motion. The subsidy granted by the Council was for a epeoifio purposeto maintain the plant. At present they had no plant to maintain. . Cr. Hughes proposed as an amendment, " That the consideration of this question be deferred until after the case has been decided by the R.M." Mr Fitzßoy seconded the amendment. For the amendment 3, against 3. The Mayor gave his casting vote for Cr. Hughes amendment.