FIRE.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 5, Issue 518, 31 August 1883, Page 3

FIRE.

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE WAIPAWA MAIL.) Str, —Though not long a resident in "Waipawa, it is evident to me that most disastrous results, even loss of life, may occur in the event of a fire breaking out in this town. I need scarcely inform you that the houses are entirely built of wood, and that in most instances they are roofed with shingles, and again in most cases tightly jammed together. As you very truly remark, in your issue of 28th instant, the only available instrument against fire in this town is the ladder hanging in front of Messrs Miller and Potts’ office, which, though it might be useful in saving life and a little property, is not, however long it may be, an instrument calculated to extinguish flames with. As for a “ town board” for Waipawa, that, in my opinion, is not the question at issue. A fire brigade is more like the thing, and I think the leading townsmen should without delay move in the matter. What is wanted is a fire engine, with proper appliances, and three or four trollies, with tanks on them, to supply water from the river, which is never entirely dry. These trollies should be so constructed that they could bo drawn by men, and there are always plenty of willing hands in such emergencies as the one now under contemplation. It is true that almost all proprietors here have insured themselves, but it must be patent to every one that there are very few T men, and, I am sure, no women, who do not possess and cherish some little memento of affection which no policy of insurance could cover, and which would be lost to them for ever in a general conflagration. I propose that some of our leading townsmen step to the front and call a public meeting, with the object of establishing a fire brigade, and of raising funds to procure the necessary instruments for extinguishing flames. The insurance companies who have risks in this town would be sure to assist in an object which so very materially affects themselves. I enclose £i Is as a start for a tiro engine fund, and subscribe myself, yours, &c., FORETHOUGHT.