BARTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11614, 13 August 1918, Page 5

BARTON FIRE BRIGADE.

LAY THEIR COMPLAINTS BEFORE COUNCIL . The Marton Fire Brigade were represented by Messrs L. Mclndoe, J, H. McDonald, J. Gorrie, and R. Anderson as a deputation to air a few of their grievances Mr L. Mclndoe aciecl as spokesman, and fluently laid before the Council the disabilities under wnich the brigade was suffering. Firstly, he complained of the manner in which the bell was hung at the station. The bell when rung could not be heard at any distance from the station. Complaints were made about firemen not being in attendance at fires; they had not heard the bell. On account of the bell tower the last shower flooded out the shed. A concrete yard had been promised, but if they got the bell attended to the brigade would do the concreting as a thanksgiving offering. Some people reckoned .that the fire brigade should go round the town and clean out “the plugs and also the dead ends. The brigade were not paid men and it was not their duty to do so. The telephone was a great convenience,- but they could not expect volunteer firemen to be at the station during working hours. In reference to men on night duty'at fires, he asked the to authorise the payment of £1 per mao for night duty. The plan of the borongh with the markings of the plug was hard to follow, and needed better markings for the brigade to follow. The trouble at the receut t fire was due to mud “filling up the plugs. He wanted |to t know about the Rangitikei County Council subsidy as the brigade had no desire to extend their boundaries He also complained of motor cars being placed right in front of the doors of the station, as Foliett street had been legalised as a private motor car stand and the street was a narrow one. He asked for permission to dispose of the chemical engine, and also placed several other minor matters before the Council Or. Hunter said that it was useless to keep the bell, in its present position. The Mayor moved and Cr. Hunter seconded —That authority be given I' the brigade to dispose of the chemical engine for £70 —Carried. The Mayor stated that the committee would bring down a report on fire brigade matters at next meeting. The Borough Council foreman was responsible for the of the plugs and also the dead ends. In reference to t!ie telephone, Superintendent J. H. McDonald suggested that a switch should be put on to Mr J. J. McDonald’s business place, which will be acted upon if sanction is obtained. The Mayor was of opinion [that the firemen should be paid for night services,, and moved —Uhat on the recommendation of the superintendent, firemen on night duty be paid £1 per night—Seconded by Cr Bush and carried.