THE FIRE BRIGADE AND THE TOWN HALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 180, 30 October 1880, Page 2

THE FIRE BRIGADE AND THE TOWN HALL.

To the Editor. Sib, —Pardon me for troubling you, but really 1 want to know, you know. You. remember when we had no Town Hall what a cry there was to get one.- The only thing wanted to make us great, etc., —you know Joey’s style. Well wo have got one, but is it a town one or is it, as I understand, a company concern. If so were 1 a shareholder I’d—well, never mind. But to come to the point. It seems that anyone can book this Temple of Thespis fpr exhibition, parsons’ raffles, tea fights, etc., for any night from now to the second advent, on tick. First come first served is all very well, but I do not think that a monopoly should exist in the matter of a public hall in a small borough like this.- 1 Of course.v the; public have

their remedy in opposition, and, as is the case in all English speaking countries, should the present course of conduct be continued they will use it. I am led to these remarks by the fact that the Volunteer Fh’e Brigade, anxious to do all they can to improve their position, have endeavored to obtain the use of the Town Hal! for the purpose of giving an entertainment towards defraying the expenses of uniforms, etc. It is found that the building is monopolised by the local dramatic club, and though the Brigade has, as lam informed, written a polite letter to them asking them to yield a night during the local race meeting in their favor, it has been virtually refused. Under the circumstances I would ask the shareholders, in justice both to themselves and the public, to see that no unfair monopoly is allowed, and that priority of payment should alone secure the use of the building. —I am, &c., Only a Fireman.