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New Zealand Mail, Issue 426, 10 April 1880, Page 25

"Audi alteram partem." No one should object to hear both sides of the story in re the controversy between the fire brigades of the city and the fire underwriters. The former have urged their pleas in public meeting, the latter now find an advocate in public print. We refer our readers to a correspondent's letter in another column. Neither side have told aught the public were not before cognisant of, although in the telling of it they have made more plain that there is need for reform, and the revival of a good understanding between the brigades and insurance agents, which has been permitted to die away. Any argument that the insurance companies have treated either the Corporation or the citizens with discourtesy, or slighted the efforts of the fire brigades, seems absurd. We cannot believe that the representatives of the insurance companies intended anything of the sort. They evidently concurred in the opinion that, from their point of view, a change in brigade affairs had become necessary, and they resolved on action which would at once bring such affairs to a climax. The immediate result, as doubtless they anticipated, was an outcry against themselves, insinuations of injustice, and even threats of reprisals, all of which

will soon be forgotten in the practical issue of reform. For to this end it must come ; the Corporation, the citizens, and the underwriters, are agreed on this point, and with them also concur no mean proportion of the brigade members. As matters now stand, all parties concerned appear to be waiting, one from the other, a suggestion for amicable adjustment of differences, not so much a compromise or temporary patching up of the breach, but the propounding of a sound basis of action, the adoption of which will obviate the possibility of any future disagreement. We cannot help thinking that the brigades themselves might in this respect take the initiative. None better than themselves should know their own strength and their own weakness. They should, know how far consolidation of force and retrenchment in expenditure is consonant with their efficiency, and should not hesitate to show the way. A "Volunteer force, if true to its name and its accepted obligations, cannot either in honor or self-re-spect narrow its action to sordid considerations of pounds sterling, though there seems to have been a false impression created that the city brigades are thus influenced. As a necessary essential to the performance of public service in the hour of danger, they are entitled to receive adequate monetary assistance, no matter the source whence, it is derived ; but it is unfair to even assume that . the brigades desire more. The question is narrowed to degree and expediency. Heretofore, certain subsidies have been given and expended ; had these subsidies been twice as much it is not probable there would have been any unexpended balance. Reason.is now given why such subsidies should be reduced, and it rests with the brigades to show how they, as volunteers for the protection of the property of their fellow citizens, can adapt themselves to altered circumstances. If they weary in well doing let them step aside and make room for others willing to render their tale of citizen's duty. The threat that the brigades will only attempt to • save uninsured property, as a reprisal against the insurance companies, may be taken as mere empty words. Men worthy the name do their duty in the hour of danger without fear, favor, or affection. The same impulse that prompts a British soldier on the field of battle to share the last few drops of water in his canteen with a fallen foe levels all ranks and distinctions in the hour of peril, and bickerings and contentions are forgotten in the cause of common humanity. Still, delays are dangerous, and it would be well that the present contention were ended as speedily as possible.