The Late Carterton Fire.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1711, 24 July 1885, Page 3

The Late Carterton Fire.

To the Editor of the Standard. Sib, — Nothing but pluck and endnrauce, aided by fuvurable weather, averted, m Tuesday last, one of the most disastrous fires that has yet taken place in the district. Had there beta the slightest wind, or had those who worked like Trojans shirked the warm work before them, ashes would be all remaining of a great part of Carterton to day. Although in the midst of an everthreatening danger (which cannot be overestimated in wooden townships), it ia only on such occasions aa the recent one that the immense importance of supparting a well organised Fire Brigade is even thought of. The majority of Cauerton townsfolk*-men who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the welfare of the community, —have actually to beg and pray for support to enable them to do their errand of mercy. If a fire occurs the Brigade are expected to turn out, spoil their clothes, lose their valuable time, and even put their hands in their pockets to pav for any damage donejtc their appliances. Surely, Mr Editor, this state of things should be altered. Carterton is to the fora with its Library, Friendly Societies, Gymnasium. Ac, Ac., but although it has the nucleus of the finest brigade in New Zealand, we are sadly in the back ground in respect to our tire brigade ; simply because men who are willing to drill an-,1 train are restrained from 30 doing. They honestly prefer to let it drop, rather than run in debt though lack of public support. There are promises by scores, but like pie-crust, when the time comes for fulfilment, they are as easily brikcn. Ido hope that our brigade will make one more off rt. No one can deny that the manner in which they sated Mr \V. Booth's house from the di-ve-nrirg element, would have done credit to any Brigade. All honor, too, to the Greytowu Brigade fur so nobly mid substantially rend* ring their assistance, and which Carterton will be prepared to acknowledge in a similar in inner—(but, let us hope, at .a far distant date), should eventualities occur. Kothirg leads to cunr-nt friendly feelings between townships so much ns spontaneous bursts of sympathy, and, as a Caitertonian, I feel sun- that this simple Kindly act will not readily bo effaced from our memories. 1 would' suggest, Mr Editor, that one of the first considerations for the Carterton Brigade should i e sotting single aud double shafts for their engine, whereby one or two horses could be utilised. It is simply 11 bullocking" to drag it any distance. I trust. Mr Editor, that mv letter will be the means of getting oar Brigade the necessary funds to provide (or this, and also suitable uniform. I am, Ac.. Nolens Yolens, Carterton, July 22, 1885.