THE NEW FIRE BRIGADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1243, 25 September 1875, Page 9

THE NEW FIRE BRIGADE.

The gentlemen who had applied to be enrolled members of the new Fire Brigade met. by invitation, the City Council Fir? Brigade Committee, at the Council Chambers last Tnes<»y« f her e were present (of the Committee)— His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Campbell, Leary, and Keeves, and there was a large attendance of volunteers. The Matob commenced by remarking that the members of the Fire Brigade Committee and himself were pleased to see so very large an attendance in answer to the invitation that had been issued, and from the very hearty manner in which a response had been made to the invitation he had no doubt that an efficient Brigade would be formed. The Committee were desirous of allowing every latitude to the Brigade, as a volunteer body, to appoint its own officers, to make its own rules, and so forth. One point the Committee had determined on and that was to insure the lives of the members of the Brigade, so that in case of death, their relations would receive the amount insured for ; or should the insured live to a given age, the amount of his insurance— Lloo— would be handed to himself. He suggested that the Meeting: should appoint a Committee to confer with the Fire Brigade Committee, in order to arrive at some conclusion as to arrangements ; and so far as the appointment of Cap. tain was concerned, he suggested it might be delayed till their next meeting. The Council was desirous to be liberal ; and in the event of the sum proposed not proving sufficient, the Council would at any time, on its being shown to be necessary, grant a further sum. His Worship then read the following ;—

MEMO re XEVV FIRS BRIGAJJE.

JIZSSSS? *° prOvlde P lant and Wor repair*

£600 per annum to be expended by the Council to cover all other expenses, surplua to form Life and Accident Fund, Mayor to be one of the trustees of the Fund. The £200 received from the Insmwace Com® pames forming part of the ahove mentioned £500 Brigade to consist of 40 members, inclusive of officers.

All voluntary subscriptions to be dealt with by the Brigade. ' In the event of disbandment, all accumulated funds from Corporation contributions to remain the property of the Corporation. v Periodical statements of expenditure to be furnished and audited by the City Auditors. lurnianea ♦ e i oti i» io ? s are P en^ in fc' **& the Government lor the life insurance of members during member-

A contingent of 15 members residing north of Octagon to form the North Dunedin Subdivision with power to elect their own foreman these 16 men being portion of the total of 40. Captain and all other officers to be chosen by the Brigade, as a whole, the' Brigade having the option of requesting the Council to appoint a captain should a paid captain be appointed, his salary to be paid out out of the £500 already mentioned. The Brigade to make their own rules, if not inconsistent with the foregoing. A majority of three-fourths of the members necessary to carry a motion for disbandment.

Mr Leahy said the proposals had been drawn up in indication of the basis on which it was considered the Brigade should be formed— had been prepared with a view to facilitating discussion on the points involved, and said that suggestions might be made by the proposed members. With regard to the sum mentioned as a contribution, £500, that was an amount which it was not intended to be strictly adhered to. If it were found to be insufficient, the Council would be prepared to supplement thafe sum, and deal with the Brigade in the most liberal manner. Mr Reeves said as regarded rules, the new -Brigade could adopt or amend those of the late Brigade, and thought it would be advisable for the meeting to appoint a Committee to confer with the Council's Committee for the election oi a captain, because there was no doubt that the success of the Brigade would depend on having a good captain. Of course, the members would elect their captain: but if a Committee were appointed to W with the Council's Committee they might fonKnrT* 111^ Pl^ ed on a satisfactory tooting to commence at once. If the amount mentioned should be found insufficient feflSES™* 1 not be averaeto *** •

t£ Jo £ ns ™ said they should start fair. Ihey could not have a brigade of 40 men for th e sum of money mentioned. Mr NicholsOxX suggested that as the Mayor had 53 names a ballot should take place, and those elected should arrange this business- ' taSlfrt. f?f ° nl £ 36 present > no baUot waa' behvMO number squired for the Brigade j^ter further discussion, ♦1.1 £ • that he shoul the ch ai r so that the meeting might discuss file' otters freely among themselves/ Ihe Mayor and Councillors left the chamber