FIRE BRIGADE MEETING.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 105, 20 July 1877, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE MEETING.

In compliance with a requisition, signed by a number of the residents of Akaroa, His Worship the Mayor convened a meeting at the Town Hall, at 3 p.m. yesterday. The attendance was by no means large, and the proceedings throughout, were characterized, Wβ" regret to say, with apathy. The Mayor, in taking the chair, said that, in accordance with a requisition which he had received, signed by a number of the inhabitants, he had convened the meeting without consulting anybody. The reason that he had fixed the hour in the afternoon was, because his medical adviser recommended him not to be out after dark. The object in view was, to form a Fire Brigade, but regretted to inform the meeting that the Council was not in a position to lend them a hand, but he could assure the meeting that-nothing would be wanting on his part to advance the movement. As the town was email, and much divided, the formation of a hook and ladder company was considered by many to be preferable to the purchase of a fire engine. He need not dwfill on the means of water supply, that being well known to all. Since the movement was mooted there was not time to communicate with Christchurch, but any information required could be easily commanded. He had received two letters—one from Mr. J. G. Garwood, tendering an npology for his absence, which was due to his being laid up ; the other, from Mr.jMorey, offering to form a brigade if acceptable to the meeting, providing no other suitable person could be found.

Mr. W. Adams said that the remarks about the formation of a hook and ladder company were the most sensible of the lot—(Hear, hoar.) A fire engine would he found of but little service in a place like Akaroa. At least four miles of hose would be required, and even then the brigade would be of little service. With hooks and ladders the brigade could run about conveniently. He considered that the brigade could bo equipped for a very small sum. He would recommend leather buckets, hooks, fixed to a trolley, paper hat, and flannel jacket. Members could buy their own papar collars. (Laughter.) Mr. Noonaw* was sorry that Mr. Morey was not present, as he had a conversation with that gentleman on the subject of rules which he had received from Mr. Harris, of Christchurch. He would, however, hand them over to the Mayor for the information of those'desirous of becoming members of the proposed brigade. 'During the time he had been connected with the Christchurch brigade, members found their own tomahawks. Mr. J. Wood was of opinion that the first thing to consider was the raising of means to purchase the necessary plant. As it had been stated that the Council had no money, he, as an insurance agent, would do the-best with his office, to induce it to subscribe. (Hear, hear ) Mr. Aylmisu said, that in a small place a lire engine would be found to be a toy, and the hose would be continually getting out of order, which was experienced at Lyttelton on the occasion of the late fire. His experience suggested the formation of a hook and ladder company. He would, also recommend the erection of three racks,. for thjp hanging of buckets, filled with -wate,r, in three different parts of the town, \vhich could be attended to by some servant of the corporation. The only danger to be, apprehended was from the larrikin element, but he would appeal to their good sense to let the buckets alone. It wouJd. be better to appoint a Committee to submit a scheme for the working of a brigade before applying to any quarter for assistance, Mr. Billens moved—" That a Committee, consisting of Messrs Ayliner, the Mayor, Morey, W. Adams, Noonan, "E. Lelievre, and the mover, be appointed to confer with ;the local agents of the Fire Insurance Companies of Akaroa with re- i spect to funds, and to prepare ajscheme, to '

be submitted._at the next meeting, as tp^the, best means" o£ providing against the spread of fire in Akaroa." ' . The motion was seconded by Mr. Hemingw,ay, and carried.' < , . A vote of thanks to the Mayor, brought ttie meeting to a close.