THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1200, 2 February 1922, Page 4

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

QUESTION OF SALVAGE DUTY.

INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BE APPROACHED.

At last Tuesday’s' meeting of the Te Awamutu Borough Council, the secretary of the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade reported that the brigade was called to attend a lire at Smith’s buildings on the night of the 25th ult. The alarm was sounded at 10.55 p.m., and before 11 p.m. two leads of hose were playing on the fire. By 12.30 a.m. the fire was well in hand, and by 1.30 a.m. was subdued. Captain A. Pauli was then able to dismiss the brigade. w s th the exception of three men, who remained to suppress any further outbreak. They had to use the water twice before daylight. The brigade desired to call attention to the use of felt lining in roofs, and urged the framing of a by-law proscribing the use of this inflammable material. A time sheet of £7 18s 6d for firemen’s time at the fire was enclosed. The Mayor said the usual procedure was to pay this account, being reimbursed by sufferers by the fire. The rate per hour had been agreed on by the Council. Cr Clark asked if the Council could claim from the Underwriters’ Association the amount involved in salvage duty after the fire. The Mayor replied that it seemed they would be able to establish some claim in this connection. He would like to express the Council’s appreciation of a glorious save at a great risk. It illustrated two things—an adequate water supply and the possession of men who could use it. The matter of felt lining was worthy of consideration when dealing with the by-laws later. The fire had given the town a lesson, and it had also given a handle for approaching the Underwriters’ Association to put the brigade on a firmer basis. An insurance official had expressed surprise at the state of affairs, and had said if the insurance companies were approached they could not well refuse to contribute toward the brigade’s upkeep. On the motion of Cr Downes it was resolved to write in appreciation to the brigade, the motion being carried by acclamation.