FIRE BRIGADESMEN

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 52, 30 August 1917, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADESMEN

Shortage of men has affected the fire brigades of the Dominion, and in the annual report of the department Inspector Hugo says:— "Considerable difficulty has been experienced by nearly all tho brigades in keeping their personnel up to an effective strength, this applying to the whole fire service o£ the Dominion. In the 'Roll of Honour" book published by the United Fh-e Brigades Association it states that up to. the end of February last 1030 of its members had enlisted, and of that number 87 had been killed, 116 wounded, two were prisoners of war, and 66 invalided horn« and unfit. A recommendation was made last year in certain towns where this difficulty occurred that a number of the business people should be asked to undergo a sufficient amount of drill to enable them to assist the brigade when necessary. The idea worked successfully, and in View of eventualities I would suggest to the chief officers of brigades throughout New Zealand .ftat they should at once request men over military age or those otherwise ineligible for military service, including well-grown youths under military age, to volunteer for brigade work. There are many men over military ago stiE halo and active who I am sure would be only too glad to show their patriotism in this respect if the way was open for them to do so."