The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1861.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVI, Issue 927, 28 September 1861, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1861.

Of the various associations which have been formed within this province for different purposes; it would Be""difficult' to find any more entitled to the support of all classes than the recently-established Fire Brigades in our two principal towns. As the buildings in the towns of all new settlements are of necessity generally constructed of timber from its comparative cheapness, the risk of partial or even total destruction by fire must always be very great. This risk is, of course, taken into account by the insurance companies, whose premiums are proportionately high—so heavy, indeed, as to render insurance in many cases quite out of the power of the poorer class of householders. The loss resulting? from fire is, therefore, always likely to fall much more heavily on individuals in a very young community than is the case in older countries, where the rates asked for insurance are so low as to be almost inappreciable. As the danger of fire in our wooden towns is necessarily greater, and the difficulty of meeting that danger by insurance is proportionately enhanced, it behoves the public to do all in their power by other means to insure themselves against the extra risks run. The best way to do this is to be ready for the emergency "when it arrives, and in no better way can we prepare than by establishing properly-trained and well-equipped fire brigades. • Much difference of opinion has existed as to whose duty it is to initiate and support these brigades. Some have suggested the Government, on the principle, probably, that it is right to make a demand on the public purse for any purpose requiring pecuniary assistance; others look to the insurance companies and consider them bound, as chartered corporations enjoying certain privileges by special Act of Parliament, not merely to receive premiums and pay losses, but also to do all in their power to prevent such losses occurring by adopting proper preventive measures. These consider that the insurance companies should provide suitable engines and adequate funds to keep them in a proper state of repair, and that they should assist to pay those who volunteer to work them. We agree with this view of the subject, as it is clearly not only the duty but the interest of the insurance companies to use every means to prevent the loss of property by fire. Whether it is the business of the Government, the municipal bodies, or the insurance companies, to support the fire brigades, may very well be left to be solved by time and experience. It is a gratifying fact, in the meantime, that the inhabitants of Christchurch and Ly ttelton have not waited for one or other of these bodies to initiate the movement but have started the scheme on a footing which bids fair to meet the requirements of the case. The Ohristchurch Brigade has been organised

for some months, and may be presumed to bo in a proper state of efficiency. That of Lyttelton is of" more recent origin, but from the character of its members, bids fair soon to bo equally efficient. Tho engine now in use in Christchurch is provided by the Liverpool and London Insurance Company, and we believe works fairly enough. A government engine

of larger size, amply supplied with hose and fittings, will shortly be added to the resources of that city against fire. The town of Lyttelton is not so well off: tho engine, supplied by the same Insurance Company, being" thoroughly out of order and, until it is set to rights, the town must be considered without any real defence against the calamity of fire. The agents of the company will, doubtless, see that their engine is at once put into working order; but when that is done, Lyttelton will still be most inadequately furnished with the means of contending against the destructive element. We trust therefore that a strong effort will be made to collect the funds necessary for the purchase of a powerful engine. The Government may be fairly asked to contribute, as the engine now on its way out will be solely available for the benefit of Christchurch. The insurance companies will no doubt assist ; and the merchants and householders generally must feel, that in contributing to the purchase of this engine and the expenses of the brigade, they are laying out their money in the best possible way for their own particular benefit.

The question of government assistance towards the maintenance of the fire brigades will probably come before the Provincial Council at its next sitting. We should be sorry to see any annual money vote given or accepted. It would be far better that the subscriptions of the general public should be freely given towards defraying the expenses of a body acting as volunteers, than that it should sink into an affair of government subsidy. The former method of meeting the expenses would be far more likely to excite and maintain a reciprocal feeling of interest between the public and the brigades than the latter. In one case they would be looked upon as institutions created by and having common interests with the people: in the other they would speedily take the position of Government employes. It would hardly be necessary to look to the Government for aid till the voluntary system of had been tried and failed. It cannot be conceived that any householder in, our towns to 'his own interest as to refuse assistance towards the support of so necessary and useful a body.

There is a way, however, in which the Government can be of great use to the fire brigades, and materially contribute to strengthen their position. It is very necessary that the superintendents of these institutions should have powers given to them to order the removal or destruction of premises standing in the way of the efficient performance of their duties. While a fire is raging, it is often necessary to decide on the spot whether a building must be levelled to the ground in order to stop the progress of the flames. It is not to be expected that any man or body of men will take this responsibility on themselves without having full authority to do so. For this, an act of indemnity must be passed, and we trust that among the earliest measures initiated by the Government at the ensuing session of the Provincial Council, one having this end in view will be found to have a place. It would be as well, perhaps, to include the Superintendent of Police and the Magistrates in the powers of the act, and special privileges might be conferred on the members of the brigade with advantage, such as enabling them to act as special constables on the occasion of fires,- all which might be easily ascertained by the Government from the superintendents of the brigades themselves before the draught of the act was commenced.