Tolling the Firebell.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7182, 5 June 1891, Page 3

Tolling the Firebell.

TO -THE EDITOR. Sir,— Although " Eye Witness " ha* ignominiously failed to make out a case* against the Fire Brigade on the score of reckless driving, there is one point he might have more successfully tackled them on. At any rate, if you will allow me, I intend to try. My complaint is this:— The firebell is very rarely rung properly. Whether it is the faultof the Fire Brigadedepartment altogether I am not bo sure about, but I propose to lay the blame on their shoulders. The city is portioned out into four wards, and each warct allotted a certain number of tolls, bo that people shall he able to tell, by hearing the bell, what direction the fire is in. So far so good. But my complaint is that not once in six times are there any tollsrung—at least none that I can ever hear; no, the ringers are in too much of a hurry to bother about tolls, and so they ring away— ding dong, ding dong, with nary a toll from Btart to finish. Theother evening I was en j oying myself at Madame Cora's when the bells started, and although I listened very intently not a toll did I hear. I could not tell but that the fire war in the direction of my house. I could not rest until I came out of the Theatre and had a look about me. Now, if the bella had been rung as they should be, I should have known either that the fire was in my ward or was not. If the latter, I would have kept my seat and not have disturbed those who wished to see the performance. For two years I have been intending to complain about this matter, but I am convinced that ventilation through the Star isthe only resource, and only hope for a more satisfactory Btate of things.— l am, &c, GROWLER. Christchurch, June 5.