FIREMEN RESIGN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22776, 9 July 1937, Page 10

FIREMEN RESIGN

DISSATISFIEI) BRIGADE ULTIMATUM TO COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS AT MATAURA ; : AN OFFER TO DRIVE ENGINE [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESroXDEXI] INVERCARGILL, Thursday Mataura is without a fire brigade, but the Borough Council has been given an assurance that if there is a fire the engine will be manned. The brigade has resigned—because, it says, the council has made no apparent effort to meet its requirements, particularly for the shifting of the fircbell to a place from which it will be more audible, and for better equipment. The disagreement between the council and the brigade was discussed at a special meeting of the council, when a deputation from the brigade was received and a resolution asking the brigade to reconsider its decision pending an investigation was carried. Mr. N. McLeod, captain of the brigade, said they had asked the council to meet them before the estimates came out. After some time they were informed that they were too late, as the estimates were passed. Mr. -T. H. Clark: If certain of these requests are granted, will -the former members man the brigade? - Mr. E. Kaniage, secretary of the brigade, said that it might • simplify matters if he explained that the final meeting of the brigade had been held and the members were finished.

Mr. Bradley: Why are we discussing fire brigade matters with these men, when, they admit that they are finished with the brigade? - : After the motion had been carried," Mr. Bradley asked, "Hare we an assurance that the engine will be manned if there is an outbreak of fire? If not, I will be there."

Mr. Ramage: I would like to setf" you drive the "bus." Mr. Bradley: It's not such a won- 4 derful machine as that. If I can't'drive it there are plenty who can. Mr. McLeod gave an assurance that the "bus" would be manned if. there was a fire.