FIREMEN RESIGN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19375, 13 July 1937, Page 9

FIREMEN RESIGN

DISSATISFIED BRIGADE ULTIMATUM TO COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS AT MATAURA

Mataura is without a fire brigade, but the Borough Council has been given an assurance that if there is a lire the engine will be manned. The brigade has resigned—because, it says, the council has made no apparent effort to meet its requirements, particularly requests for the shifting ol the firebell 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. J. H. Clark: If certain of these requests are granted, will the former members man the brigade?

Mr. E. Ramage, 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, “Have 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 see you drive the “bus.”

Mr. Bradley: It’s not such a wonderful machine as it there are plenty who can. Mr. McLeod gave an assurance that the “bus” would be manned if there was a fire.