FIRE BRIGADE EQUIPMENT.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15239, 28 November 1919, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE EQUIPMENT.

MOTOR- TEN.DMLI WANTED

CITY COUNCIL SYMPATHETIC.

Tho officers of the h ire .Brigade waited on the City Council last night to discuss the necessity for improved equipment. Captaiu Dee said me .brigade needed some better method of taking their'gear, to firea. They iiad been looiied upon as1 a Dark Town fire brigade an this respect for many years, liie^ wisnea to go in tor a motor chassis with a specially "built body to carry two or tin cc men and hose and appliances. They had been waiting for promised'legislation to place ail brigades on the same footing as those under Fire Boards, but that could not now bo passed until next year. Tne idea of the Bill was that the insurance companies should contribute half the cost of upkeep of brigades winch might remain on a voluntary basis. At present the hose was on reels, and they were dependent upon motor cars for drawing them to fires. The reels were not made for this method of transport, and they were getting damaged. Me understood that tho Council had made .some provision for the purpose. Or. Hampson said he thought the insurance; companies would subsidise any expenditure. made by the Council. Ho thought, the Fire Brigade iiad done marvellous work with its inadequate equipment, and whatever the Council could do to assist should 'be done.

In reply to Cr. llarloy, Capttin Dee said tiie Brigade had not yet considered a chemical engine. In reply to Cr. Marris, Captain Dee said it was possible to get a motor chassis for £500, bub they wanted something bettor if they could get it.

Cr. A!arris said if they were going fco have a motor engine it should be a good one, and the Council would treat tho Brigade sympathetically. They would need to be assured that tho machine to be purchased would be serviceable and efficient.

Captain Dee said if they had a chassis the body could be built locally. Cr. Edwards said the Council should give every possible assistance to tno Brigade. He thoughL the City Engineer should report on the matter. He moved that the matter be referred to committee for favourable consideration, the City Engineer to report.

The Mayor supported the proposal, but remarked that the Brigade always managed to "get there" notwithstanding its inadequate appliances. He thought the Council had already agreed to assist the Brigade in the matter. Ultimately the Mayor and Crs. Watson, Stringer, Harley and Harris were appointed a committee to confer with the Brigade and report to the Council. Mr. E. E. Boyes, secretary of the Fire Brigade, thanked the Council for its co-operation. Another matter for consideration was an all night telephone service. With a motor conveyance they would still need means of getting alarms promptly, which especially at night was a difficulty now.

The Mayor said the Council was already taking steps in the matter. Ma-. Boyes said he was glad to hear1 that. If they had the telephone there would be no "difficulty in arranging for firemen to be in residence at the station. The deputation then withdrew.