A USEFUL BODY OF MEN.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1886, 22 October 1913, Page 7

A USEFUL BODY OF MEN.

i 9 ! THE FIRE POLICE. "This is; our hobby," explained Captain. Wright at last night's meeting of : tho Wellington Volunteer Eire Police. Ho was ottering an excuse for tho conduct of members in responding to tho call of duty at all hours and in all weathers. "It is a call," ho said, "but we take it as a pleasure, and feel a real pleasure in tho work." > Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), when speaking to the motion for tho adoption of tho annual report, congratulated the police on the work of the year. Fortunately for the city, ho said, there had not been a great many difficult fires, but the fire polico had rendered splendid service, whenever tho occasion demanded it. The corps not only saved . the city a considerable sum by assisting the brigade, but its existence was an aid to promoting public spirit and good-fellowship. He regretted that the Underwriters', Association and tho insurance companies did not recognise tho value of the work done by such a Very efficient body of men as the Fire Police wero. He ventured tho opinion that even tho public did not realiso ' the full value of such a body of men, because of tho fact that we liad never yet had a really largo firo such as they had had in other parts of the world. Captain Wright, on behalf of members, said ho felt sure that if ever a largo firo did occur here thoro was not a man of them but would respond to tho call. He acknowledged the courtesy which members of'tho Ffro Polico hail always received from Superintendent , Tait, of tho Municipal Firo Brigade. . Superintendent Tait declared that tho . insurance companies did not know tho , raluo of the work done by the Firo ■ Polico. Ho could nssuro the citizens ! of Wellington that if it wore not for ser-. ■ vice rendered by the corps, the per- . manent staff would have to bo increased. The assistance they rendered at -fires was invaluable to tho city. It , afforded him food for thought when ho i saw elderly enthusiasts, liko Lieutenant . Ballinger and Treasurer Cohen, trudpr- • ing out to fires at all hours and in all weathers. It showed a very fine spirit . indeed. , Mr. Cohen, in referring to the re- , marks that had been made about the i absence of big fires here, said that , they would have had nlenty nf them but , for tho brigade. Sinco Superintend- .. ont Tait had boon in office lie had done [ wonders, and the whole of tho citizens , ought to congratulate him oil what had been done. Mr. J. Doyle also paid a tribute to the services rendered by the present | superintendent. Mr. Tait had worked : his way up to the top position, and I was a fine examplo of the New Zealander.' ;