OBJECTION TO LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19740, 13 September 1927, Page 13

OBJECTION TO LETTER.

MOUNT EDEN FIRE BRIGADE.

"INSULT TO THE COUNCIL." LIQUOR AT THE . STATION. A protest by members of the Mount Eden Fire Brigade against the publication of details of an inquiry h>pld by the Borough Council into the consumption of liquor at the station was strongly criticised at a meeting of the council last evening. The council refused to receive a letter from Mr. B. Koneycombe, secretary of the brigade, and ordered its return The letter stated the officers and members of the brigade desired to record their strong objection to the council giving its permission to the publication of statements made at the inquiry. It was contended the report would convey the impression to the public that the use of liquor had been abused on the station premises. "The letter is altogether uncalled for and I move that it be returned to the brigade," said Mr. L. Joll. • "I do not think a charge was even levelled against tha brigade or its conduct. The inquiry which was'held concerned the conduct of the station, for which we held the permanent staff men responsible, and not the volunteers." The Mayor, Mr. E. H. Potter, said the inquiry concerned the whole brigade, as well as the men at the station. The council would first have to reject the recommendation forwarded by the Correspondence Committee that the letter should be received Mr. R. McK. Morison agreed that the letter should be returned. "I consider the brigade has gone a little too far," he remarked. "I am pleased ihis matter was reported in the press. I think the council can run its brigade without being dictated to by its employees. To say the least, the letter is an insult. The council will do its business in its own way, and not in a manner dictated by the fire' brigade." It was decided not to receive the letter, which will be returned to the brigade.