THE STEAM FIRE ENGINE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1715, 21 November 1887, Page 2

THE STEAM FIRE ENGINE.

TO THE EDITOR. As It appears an open question whether it will be a public benefit for the ratepayers of Ashburton to purchase a steam fire engine, permit me to make one or two observation anent the same. One of the reasons advanced In favor of tbe fire engine ia the threats that the old rates will be resumed should no engine be pro* cured. We have no gnarantee that they will not, if the engine is procured ; but I think a far better plea for keepiug to the present rate is to be be found ia the absence of _ra of any magnitude (n this Borough, alao naturally following iheßmall amount of compensation paid, I believe it caa be proved that Ashbu'ton will compare favorably with any town m New Zealand of the Barae a ze. If (hit fact and competition will not keep dowu tha rates the presence of a steam fire engine wH) not; but the real question involved Is (to my mind)—ls it riuht to ask the ratepayers of ABhburton to pay the extra premiums of the merchants and importers, as that is praoticaliy what the whole of this steam fire engine business amounts to 1 I oan hardly believe tho bnrgewea of this town are anxious to see the Borough Council overdraft increase to two thousand pounds, not forgetting a considerable balance due on the Ponnd and Bridge for the benefit of a few favored individuals, which effectually mortgages the whole of the income derived from rates for the next three years. Where are the funds of the auoh dealred swimming baths to be derived from, not to mention many other useful works 1 Allow me to suggest to the ratepayers, that those who are so very anxious abont the inoreaßed risks should pay the extra rate when Imposed, without compelling the owners of quarter acre sections to assist them, unless their (tbe ratepayers) consent is given In a public meeting called for the purpose of the proposals being submitted to them. I think another point is, that now properly is not bo valuable and Btocks of merchandise not so extensive as they have been m ABhburton are we better able m the face of diminished municipal income to support a steam fire service nmv than m former years of prosperity, I am, etc, Ojsbrvbr,