The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1874.

Dunstan Times, Issue 654, 30 October 1874, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1874.

BeneaththeßuleofMenßNTißELY just the pkn is mightier than the sword.

The apathy that exists, not only in the town of Clyde, but in many others that we know of, in < he matter of providing means for pul ting out fires and the saving life and property during a conflagration is most remarkable, and deserving of mote than a passing thought. In fact, in every town where a properly organised fire brigade does not exist, with equipments necessary at all events to save properly, no time should be lost and no stone left unturned before such a body Was constituted.

Where a Municipality exists the neglect is next akin to criminal, as, to our mind the duty of the Council is first to secure, and then to improve ; and how better conic! they perform that first duty than by taking action in the matter we refer to 1 It may be said, in fact has been said in our hearing when the subject has been mooted, “ Oh, we want the money for repairing a certain roadway, orkerbing and channelling a certain street.” But we ask, what are the use of roads and streets if there are not any houses 1 To this is replied, if a fire breaks out there ate plenty of willing hands to do their best equally as efficiently as if a fire brigade were in exigence. In this kind of argument,- however, the main feature is forgotten, and that is, it is not the quantity of willing hands that are so much required as a system, and

we contend it is only with a duly organised and properly equipped band, under a recognised head, that anything approactttig a system pan be hoped for. It is true that in Clyde and Alexandra a stream of water is running through the streets; and in Clyde also there is a fire bell and a dozen or so of buckets But what are the use of these ? We say, but of little, and in that opinion we are sure we snail be supported. On the question of it being the duty of the Town Councils to take up the matter there may be two opinions. However, w» hold to ours; but in the event of the Councils not being of our mind, and to prevent delays, we would suggest that a deputation of townsmen wait on the Mayor, or even on "he Council at its next meeting, and demand, as a right, that they should do their duty by providing materials in the shape of ladders, hooks, chairs, buckets, «nd such other things, as may be requisite, and to leave it to the town to form a brigade, and appoint its officers. We have now dealt with the matter at length, feeling convinced it is one demanding immediate attention, and we shall be glad to see our suggestion acted upon.