The Evening Star THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 1871.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2598, 15 June 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 1871.

It is now some months since we endeavored to draw attention to the necessity for some provision for securing to

the Fire Brigade freedom from interruption in the execution of the duties they have undertaken; but we have not succeeded in rousing the City authorities to a- sense of its importance. That necessity is again forced upon public attention by circumstances attending the late fire in Princes street. We do not think that at any time the Corporation has rightly valued the Fire Brigade, although they have so fret quently done such good service. But it would be a serious matter for the town were there no trained body of men, accustomed to act together, under efficient command, and knowing exactly how to carry out the instructions given. We need take no trouble to shew that, in carrying out these instructions, the utmost promptitude, decision, and precision are necessary. Fire is an enemy we cannot afford to play with. Delay in grappling with it is to concede the victory to it, and therefore every facility should be given to those who in the execution of their duty are using means to extinguish it. Thus the utmost freedom of action requires to b» secured to them, and it is Our duty as citizens to adopt some method of preventing the interruptions and interferences that at present occur. These are mainly attributable to the want of arrangements by which spectators may be prevented crowding upon them. The police do their best, but they are not sufficiently numerous to guard eveiy point ; for round a burning building a cordon should be drawn, so that it may, in necessity, be freely approached on any side. As is very natural, as soon as an alarm of fire is given, numbers rush to the spot. We give every man who goes full credit for good intentions, and believe, that with the exception of a few unprincipled scoundrels who go for the purpose of robbery, there is not one sightseer who would not lend a hand to save property or life. But only a very limited number can be employed, and those only with real advantage, who have nerve, self-command, and training to know what they are about. Of these, there are very few outside the police and fire brigade, and it may be safely said, therefore, of the I’est that they are in the way, and by their unskilled efforts often do more harm than good. They gather together in such numbers occasionally as to prevent ready access to the fire plugs, and when the hose is laid on trample upon it thonghtlessly, thus tending to damage it and to interfere with the free flow of the water. A remedy for thi« wafl proposed some timo siaca hy a member of the Fire Brigade, who recommended that a number of auxiliary members should bo enrolled, who, although drilled and instructed in the necessary duties, should be chiefly engaged in keeping sufficient space clear, and who would prove really efficient were extra assistance required. .This excellent suggestion has been allowed to pass unheeded, and glad should we have been had no occasion for its revival occurred. But every fire that takes place proves the advisability of something of the sort being done. We think that even such an addition to the Brigade, to render it really effective would require supplementing by the enrolment of a number of special constables. We cannot doubt that were an invitation given by the Mayor and Corporation to one or two hundred citizens to enrol themselves as special constables for such a purpose, it would be responded to by the most respectable inhabitants of the City, for they really are chiefly interested in the protection of each others property. We sincerely trust that the City Council will take this important section of their duties into serious consideration. Those duties do not extend merely to kerbing, channelling, and metalling streets. The building ordinance requires that they shall see to it that in the construction of buildings every care shall be taken to avoid the risk of fire ; and as conservators of the City property, they are equally bound to see that the most efficient organisation shall be adopted for saving life and property when it occurs. There can bo no question of what Government shall do this, as in the case of defence against an enemy. If a better plan than that proposed can be adopted, well and good—we care nob what is done, so that something is done, and that quickly.