FIREMEN AND THE WAR.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2727, 23 March 1916, Page 7

FIREMEN AND THE WAR.

Sir, —With reference to your timely article in Friday's issue of Tin; Dominion regarding the Wellington Fire Brigade. ' I absolutely endorse "Ex-Firuntan's" remarks, and it is obvious something should bo done to remedy this slato of affairs. The brigade in question is not as it should be. The men, as my reasonable ratepayer will agree, are not treated fairly; the remuneration is very low and the leavo 'extremely poor, that is, thirteen hours per week. It is quite time the City Council should inquire into the working of the brigade; it is. not by any moans efficient, and the war is not the chief cause of so many men leaving. Some considerable number of men have passed in and out of the service this last few months, many fully experienced in tho trials and clanger of fire-fighting. Tho chief cause of the constant changes is the poor conditions these men aro employed under. The truth must bo known. Thousands of persons are concerned in the adoquacy of our Tiro protection, and tho Wellington Fire Brigado should be efficiently maintained; but under the existing, conditions, can it be? All credit is given to the officers concerned in training these men, but _ I am sure it must be very disappointing that their experience and labour should be used for no apparent advantage with so many men leaving the service. A brigade composed of some thirty-seven permanent men, including officers, with seventy .per cent, less than threo months' experience, cannot be regarded as by any. means' satisfactory. Aro nil the fire insurance underwriters aware of the position?—l am, etc.. ONE WHO KNOWS.