The Greytown Fire Brigade.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2030, 25 February 1887, Page 2

The Greytown Fire Brigade.

To the Editor of the Standard. Sib, —As a spectator permit me to say a word of praise for the gallant conduct of our local Fire Brigade last Saturday. Their action is too good an one to let it pass unnoticed. At about 230 p.m. Saturday afternoon the bell raug out an alarm, A body of the Brigade quickly mustered, ran out their engine and reel, and started to pull them by hand to Morrison's Bush, a distance of at least two or three miles. By a piece of good luck they managed to hook on to a cart and so arrived at the scene of fire just in time to be of use in saving some little property of Mr Madsen's, who appeared in the most danger. On arriving, the suction hose was quickly lowered into the well, whiob was almost as quickly emptied of water, there being very little in it. Finding they could not obtain water sufficient for their purpose, they then obtained bushes and battled with the grass in that way. But it was found that the fire would beat them if no water could be got, as trees and stamps were taking fire all around the house. The top of the well was taken off, and they then decided to clean the well out and so get water that way ; not being able to obtain a shovel, one of the party descended and cleaned out the well by scooping out sand, grass, broken glass, and sticks, with his hands, and sending the stuff up in a bucket. That being accomplished, the men were then in a better position (or a supply water, and so able to fight the element, and fortunately they did so, as now came the tug of war. As fast as one building was put out another would catch fire. The chief efforts of the men had been directed towards the hay shed and barn, but a cottage had caught, about 50 yards away. All attention was immediately directed to that, and five minutes alter leaving it the hay shed, cow yards, and all therein was a mass of flames, and soon reduced to ashes. Then came an anxious time to save Mr Madsen's dwelling house ; right hard they fought and at last won the battle. The house and contents were saved from the flames by right good hard work, and many blinded eyes. Sometimes the roof wonld be one mass of fire, sparks blowing on to the shingles from high burning stumps ; at times the case seemed hopeless, but still the men worked and fought hard, finally succeeding in carry, iugout their mission. At this time I had to leave, but returned at 9 oclock, and still found all hands at their post, blinded and hungry, no one having had time to get anything to eat. Other members of the Brigade had arrived, and so relieved a few of the workers, some of whom were so blind by eraoke nud heat that they could not see deaily for days after. I contend that where the Brigade subdue a tiro thus, they deserve all the countenance and support wo, as a public, can possibly give them. I am, Ac.,