The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1908. WANTED—A SALVAGE CORPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2128, 29 February 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1908. WANTED—A SALVAGE CORPS.

1 Ono of the most noticeable features in connection with the recent lire was the readiness, and even anxiety, of a largo section of the public to assist in saving goods that seemed to be in danger of destruction by fire. Tho spirit was au excellent one, and tho energy with which it was given effect to, was extremely creditable, but unfortunately all this enthusiasm was misdirected, and the willing workers, instead of assisting, were in the way of tho Eire Brigade, and in place of saving property they wore responsible for a great deal of damage. The work accomplished in tho Molbourno Cash establishment provided an excellent example of how tilings should not bo done. A few enthusiasts became persuaded that the building was in danger, and that the stock must bo got out at all hazards. They .rushed the shop and commenced to drag the goods out, and the example being quickly followed by others, very soon a mob was in charge, acting in the blundering, idiotic manner that can usually bo expected from a mob. Each individual seemed to bo possessed by a fanatical desire to dash into tho shop, clutch something, and hurl it 'into the roadway, with the result that in an incredibly short space of time the shop was almost cleared, and the contents dumped in the roughest fashion in a heap in the dust. The task was scarcely complete before it was realised that the goods would have to be returned into tho establishment. Of courso, a properly organised salvage corps, or fire police, could have prevented such a ridiculous blunder, and could have saved hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage. There should be such a body in existence in Gisborne, and the recent fire has shown how thoroughly urgent it is, that one should be established without loss of time. A fire police would, comprise 20 or 30 men, who would undergo special training 'n salvage work, so that their efforts in saving the property that appeared to be in danger would bo carried out in the intelligent and systematic manner that can only be expected from those who are trained to the work. Not only that, but. as fire police who have been properly sworn in for this class of work, they would be responsible for keeping the crowd in order, and in this way would give invaluable aid to the Fire Brigade. Had such an organisation been in existence on Wednesday night, the first duty ofits members would have been to run its handcart, with full equipment, to the scene of the fire. The vicinity of the building would have been immediately roped off, and the public kept from entering within the ropes. This course would have given a much better chance to those who were engaged in fighting the fire, as the encroachment of a crowd is a very great hindrance. Then the fire police would have investigated the Melbourne Cash establishment, and from their experl-

once in such m.ittors, would linvo scon that, because of the brick wall, so long as tho doors and windows were kept shut, tho chances of damngo being done to the goods inside were not great. They would, therefore, have covered the stock with waterproof covers, that are a part of such equipment, in case of water coming from tho roof. If, on the othor hand, it had been deemed necessary to shift the goods, tho work would have been carried out in an expeditious manner, and in such a way that no damage would have been done. There is no question blit that a lire police is badly needed here, if ordinary care is to he taken of property, in case of outbreak id' fires. The enthusiasm with which the crowd on Wednesday night tumbled over itself in a desire to he of some use to somebody, suggests that there should be no dilliculty in securing members for such an organisation. A proxiortion would probably be qualified for first aid teachings, and could bo also depended upon for ambulance work in case of accidents.