THE FIRE BRIGADE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4301, 9 March 1901, Page 6

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

, In view of the fact that the new Wellington fire brigade station is to be ready for use within the next few days, the City Council has decided, with regard to quarters for the men at the station, that single quarters should be valued at £lO per annum and married quarters at £2O per annum. Bonuses are also to be provided, but it is to be clearly understood that the bonuses or quarters will only be granted to firemen who have shown good conduct, or •who take an intelligent and active interest in their work; also that the Council may revoke any grant so made at any time, should it think fit to do so. bonus of £5 per annum is to be given at the expiration of two years from the time of permanent appointment or promotion: and a second bonus of £5 per annum at the expiration of a second two years' service ; in all, an increase of .£lO per annum after four years and three months’ service. Married quarters are to he given instead of those bonuses, and, should married quar'ters be granted to any fireman before he has served the four or two years, an amount equal to the bonus is to be deducted from bis existing salary, until the ciualifying periods are served. One bonus of .£5 per annum is to be granted to the foreman and coachman; and an allowance of half a ton of coal per month to be made to the single men for kitchen and diningroom purposes. It has a’so been decided that the watchman at the Manners street station shall be granted three months’ leave of absence on full pay on the termination ‘ of his service with the Corporation. These were tlie recommendations of the Fire Brigade Committee, and were adopted by the Citv Conned on Thursdav night. .Councillor Tolhursb having raised the Question whether the proposed deductions from' salaries would infringe the Truck Act, it was decided to consult the City Solicitor on this point.