HUTT & PETONE NEWS. (From Our Special Correspondent.)

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1775, 13 June 1913, Page 7

HUTT & PETONE NEWS. (From Our Special Correspondent.)

FIRE ENGINE WANTED. THE SUBSCRIPTIONS TOP JE4O. At the invitation of tho Mayor of Lower Hutt (Mr. E. P. Bunny) a public meeting was held in theXyceum Hall, Lower Hutt, last evening for tho purpose of discussing the question of raising funds to provido the Fire Brigade with a motor fire engine. Tho Mayor presided, and was supported by Captain Slinn, Mr. Purser, and Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Bunny mentioned that tho purposo of the meeting was to show practical appreciation of the work of tho brigade. The appeal was not-coming'from tho brigade but from tho public. The only firo system now in vogue was a foot service, and this was neither fair to tho district nor to the brigade. He had- received already promises of >--30 —(applcmse)—and ho believed that the public would further respond to the call. Ho emphasised tho fact that they were not bound to purchase any particular car, but ho suggested the formation of a committee, who would have power to decide on tho question of the most suitable sort of fire appliance to purchase. • . Mr. Baldwin (secretary of tho Firo Brigade) stated that he had received promises of donations for ,£5. In regard to a motor * engine, tho time had certainly arrived when a quick service to fire was needed. For the seven years during which the brigade had been in existence, the cost of maintenance to tho council had not been more than Mr. Kempthorno suggested that if a motor vehicle were procured, somo ot tho firemen would not bo able to get to the station in time. . Tho question of utilasr ing horses seemed to have been, overlooked. He was of opinion that the horse would bo the most serviceable form of traction. " , . , Mr. Strand remarked that horses had been tried, without success. In answer to a question, Captain Slinn eaid that the relative cost of maintenance of a motor engine (as compared with the horse system) was small. Mr. Baldwin explained that tho vehicle under offer from a Hutt business man had been approved by Inspector Hugo, and tho owner. was prepared to teach tour firemen how to drive, and to house it until such time as tho brigade were roady for it. After some further discussion, the chairman took a voto on the question of motor v. horso vehicle, and tho former question was carried. Mr. ICenipthorne then moved that a new motor engine be purchased. This was carried. Members of the I>rigade refrained from voting on both _ questions. Further subscriptions were received in the hall, bringing the total to £10. It jvaa resolved to form a committee to canvass the district.

. CHURCH CONCERT. A successful conceit, in aid of the Petone Baptist Church funds, was held on Wednesday evening. Items werß given by Mesdames Stevens and Nicholls. Misses Shearer, Clarke, and Nicholls, anifMessrs. Nankeville, Ackroyd, Feist, aud Wainwright. COURT BUSINESS. Judgment was reserved in tho case at Upper Hutt on Wednesday afternoonin which David Simpson sued' his daughter Matilda AnnSouthee for the recovery of J8134 13s. Bd. for moneys advanced for the purchase of sheep, and to aid defendant in a divorce suit. Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., will give judgment on July 7. DANCE AT TAITA. A ■ successful dance was held in the Taita Hall on Wednesday, evening. During the evening musical items were also rendered. Mr. F. Efixtas wos rosster ot ceremony, and Mr. W. .H. M Henamin was at tho piano.