POLICING AT FIRES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1886, 21 October 1913, Page 7

POLICING AT FIRES.

■. ft—, —- riVORK OF THE VOLUNTEER MEN. To-day the Wellington Volunteer Fire Folico Corps enters upon tho sixth year of its existence. The annual report draws attention to the fact that tho corps is practically self-supporting, Officers. and members giving their services voluntarily and l for tlio protection of the public, as yell as private property at fires, and in many ways assisting "the municipal brigade in their arduous work. The Teport states that tho membership of tho corps at the present time is: A captain, 4 lieutenants, secretary, treasurer, -2 auditors, and 14- other members —a total of 23, whilst provision is made for a total membership of 50. During the year the oity members received (directly from the central station and by exchange telephone) 73 calls, •which were responded to, by a fair average attendance. Tho suburban members responded to calls through their districts with equal promptitudo, and, in several. instances, wero tho moans" of checking tho progress of a firo until the arrival of the brigade; Tho report goos on to state that as the greatest forbearance in dealing •with the public, at fires is necessary, it is pleasing to'note that'little .or no friction hasi occurred, and another pleasing fact is tho' absence of any serious report of pillaging. Several successful sooial functions were held throughout the year, and the balance-sheet shows ai credit of £42 Bs'. lid. Members, of the corns have been provided! with now badges,' consisting of <i neat silver shield with appropriate letters thereon. This, is fastened under the lapel Of the coat when not on duty, and outside tho coat when oi) duty. Itii conclusion tho roport comments on. tho courtesy which at all times was displayed to members of tho fire police bv th" superintendent of the brigade, his officers and men, and' also the officors and members of tho local Police Forco.