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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6691, 27 September 1882, Page 2

Last night’s fire afforded another among the many proofs of the efficiency of the city Fire Brigade and- the water service under their control. There was some little delay in bringing the water to play upon the burning building, owing, it is said, to defect in hose couplings, but no sooner was this remedied than the good effect wasinstantlyperceptible. The flames were literally beaten out by the resistless gush of water' from the mains, and what threatened ' at first to become a widespread conflagration was confined to within a narrow radius of the spot where the outbreak occurred. This is but a repetition of similar experiences in other parts of the city, and there is much reason for congratulation at this assurance of comparative safety. The satisfaction would be greater to the owners of property if it were conpled with the knowledge that the efficient means of protection against fire ensured a corresponding 1 moderation in the charges made for cover ; ing fire risks. This, however, is not the case. The rates charged by fire insurance companies doing business in this city are altogether disproportionate to the risks incurred. A practically unlimited water supply at high pressure, an efficient brigade, and the precautions taken by every householder, should certainly obtain concessions from the insurance companies, which * at present there is an evident disinclination to grant. The com-' parties might with good grace make at least a slight reduction in the rates now ruling. They might also with equal justice to themselves and their clients cn-

hance, by all possible means, the efficiency of the Fire Brigade and Salvage Corps, to the extent of placing at their command the best and most reliable appliances for combating with fires and saving property.