THE PROPOSED FIRE BRIGADE.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 3, Issue 147, 25 September 1895, Page 2

THE PROPOSED FIRE BRIGADE.

A meeting of residents interested in the formation of a Fire Brigade to do duty in the two townships took place on Saturday night in the Beading Room. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, and the fact that Saturday night is an inconvenient time for business people to attend, the audience was not so largo as the importance of the matter demanded. However, there was a fairly representative gathering. Apologies for non-at-tendance were received from Mr C. Malfroy. who stated that he was thoroughly in favor of the movement and would give it ('very it every assistance in his power, and from Mr W. A. Williams, locolagcnt for the Phoenix Fire OlKce, who exprosse I his interest in the undertaking and his intention to be present at future mcotings. Mr Robinson also wrote regretting his inability to attend and promising to support the movement though unable to take mi active part in the work. Yerb.il apologies were made for others whose business engagements precluded their attendance. Mr B. S. Corlett, who was voted to the chair, in opening the proceedings stated his conviction that though the weather seemed to be unfavorable to the initiatory steps, when once inaugurated the Brigade would go on successfully. lie called upon the convener of the meeting to say a fow words in regard to the proper stops to take to form a Brigade as it. was a matter out of his experience. Mr Ernest Davis stated that he did not think there could he two opinions as to the desirability of establishing a fire brigade in Rotorua •i. town which was increasing in importance every day. Property owners generally, the insurance companies, tho Govcrnnieut who owned the t iwnship, mid every man and woman in it c mid not fail to support an institution which would be of direct benefit to all. In the matter of securing members there would, he was certain, be no difficulty whatever. In rosjard to the most important matter of all. the raising of funds, ho had been directed to state by the firm he represented that they would contribute a sum of £SO towards the formation of the brigade. (Applause). He hud no doubt the Government would give as much, or more, and there was every reason to suppose that the various insurance companies having risks here would also contribute liberally. But. it was not to these sources alone that they should look for support. The residents themselves whether they were property owners or not weal I without question render assistance for they mustbeaware, judging from what h id happened in other places, how much distress was caused to all classes in tiie c immunity by outbreak's of fire. Since calling tho meeting he had received from Sorgoant Hughes of the Auckland Fire Brigade copies of rules and regulations and several pamphlets re formition of such brigades which would be of great service to them. Mr Hughos had also state I that he would gladly render them all the help in his power in the matter of proc irin » gear, &•. Not being a resident of the town himself lie (Mr Davis) might state that he only wish:: ! to take an active put in the form ition of the brigade and did not wish to interfere with its after management. At the request of those x»'esent Mr H. W. Neighbour consented to act as hon. secretary. The meeting then proceeded to elect a preliminary committee to make arrangements, as follow :—Messrs (!. Malfroy, 1!. D. Dansev, B. S. Corlett, W. A. Boulton, E. Davis. Wainhouse, Webb, C. A. Clarke W. A. Williams, and the secretary, with power to add to their number. Mr Davis stated that he understood there were already soma fire appliances hero and it would be well to make application to the proper quarter so as to have the use of these. He thought they should look forward to having a tire reel company and a fire bell in etch township but both companies to work in unison. In regard to the old township Mr Webb suggested there would bi a difficulty owing to the want of sufficient water pressure but information would be obtained on that point at next meeting. It might be necessary to establish a bucket brigade in the old township and eventually procure an engine. Mr Davis also suggested that a salvage corps Would he a valuable adjunct to a fire brigade. In fact, in a town Where the appliances were not so good as they might be, such a corps was at essential as a fire brigade. Mr Boulton, of the Grand Hotel, had inform" 1 him that he intended to have the whole of his staff told off to their respective posts anil drilled to their work so that in the event of a fire there would be no confusion. He had no doubt the proprietors of the other large hotels would do the same. Mr Corlett considered that the insurance companies ought to contribute according to the amount of their risks in the town, and Mr Davis promised to submit the matter to consideration of tho agents when be went to town. The Government would also be applied to. It being decided to meet, again on the following Friday at 8 p.m., the meeting closed with tho customary vote of thanks to the chair.

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