THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 289, 5 April 1897, Page 3

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

[To the Editor.] Sir,—l notice by the report of the Borough Council meeting that his \\ orship the Mayor is of opinion " that the manual engine should be brought more into use in case cf fire." Now, there are many arguments to be brought to bear in connection with the manual engine and its working. In a report I sent to the Council some time ago I suggested tanks being put down ai various placed to conserve the water that is running to waste for the purpose of supplying the manual in outlying districts. I would ask his Worship what has been done in that respect ? I would also remind him that the only place where the manual can be relied on for a supply of water is in the yard of the hotel kept by Messrs Webster and Stuart, and when working from there with a copious supply of water the engine is of very little use in case of a serious outbreak. In confirmation of this statement I have only to remind the Council of the lire in the main street which broke out in the "shop of Mr S. Horne. The manual was got to work there, and the steamer neglected—what was the result ? The fire inspector some time ago suggested a more frequent use of the manual, but if he had only visited the shed before he sent in his report and seen the state of the engine, which had just come from the hands of Mr W. -Jones, I don't think he would have suggested as he did, as the engine would not have lifted water sft., and I had to take her to Mr Ivingswell to be refixed, and paid him out of my own pocket, as the brigade had no funds in hand at that time, and waited for the amount to be refunded afterwards. Again, I wouM remind them that pumping on the manual is no child's play, and unless the position of the manual is close to the seat of the fire it is practically impossible to get the public to assist, and if the firemen have got to pump the steamer must to a certain extent be neglected. As to forming a sub brigade for the manual, the only thing I can say is, " Try it and see," and I think they will very soon find their mistake. In conclusion, I have only this to say, that if they want the manual brought more into work let them find places to work from, and supply the brigade with funds to pay the pumpers so much per hour, and the results may be satisfactory.—lam, &c., Charles Brausch.