Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1836. OUR FIRE BRIGADE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6087, 2 December 1886, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1836. OUR FIRE BRIGADE.

It is only when a fire such as that which occurred in the Avenue the other night breaks out that the people here become practically aware of the inestimable value of tho Volunteer Fire Brigade, a body of which Wanganuimay well be proud. Under Captain Cummins, who for many years has commanded it, the Brigade has been maintained in a state of the highest efficiency, and has done its work in a manner to excite the admiration of all who have seen the prompt and effective way in which Captain Cummins and his men have successfully battled with the flames. Wanting such an efficient body of men, the town would be in daily nnd hourly danger of being destroyed by the first fire that started in any of the chief blocks of buildings, and widespread ruin would be the inevitable result. It is therefore of the most vital importance that the Brigade should not languish for want of funds to keep its working plant up to the required standard of efficiency. At present, the hose supply is not what it should be, as most of it is almost unservicable — a fact that was unpleasantly patent on Monday night. The Borough Council votes as much as it can afford without striking a special rate towards thesupportoftheßrigade, whose members give their valuable services without pay. Surely the public who benefit so much thereby will not see the men hampered for want of proper appliances and plant % The withdrawal of the sum at one time subscribed by the insurance companies doing business here was a serious blow to the Brigade, and one likely to lead to serious results, if the sum thus lost to the Brigade is not made good from some other source. The members of the Brigade naturally object to canvass for support themselves ; they givp their valuable services freely, and think rightly that the public should see that sufficient funds are forthcoming to keep the plant in proper order. The insurance tariff is kept down by the efficiency of the Brigade, and the public reap a direct benefit in that way of no small value, .and should be careful to see that the Brigade is not left to languish for want of funds. It is all very well to praise the men, and say they are a fine body of thoroughly trained experts in fire extinction. Something more than that is wanted, if the Brigade is to be maintained in its proper state of efficiency. We hope, therefore, that the necessary funds for procuring a much needed, supply of hoae and other necessary appliances will be promptly gathered and handed over to the Brigade, so that should a fro break out in a closely built part of the borough, there may be no danger of it getting the mastery through the plant at the command of the men being unservicable or of insufficient quantity. The circular issued to the business people of the place by Captain Cummins inviting them to confer with the Brigade's committee should have the effect of bringing matters to a proper condition, and we hope there will be no apathy displayed as to attendance at tho meeting, or in the matter of arranging to place the funds of the Brigade in a proper condition. The officers and men of the Brigade have done their duty ; the public should be equally prompt in doing theirs.