FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.

Evening Star, Issue 4303, 11 December 1876, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.

Txythe Editor. SIR, —The time is now drawing near when eur firemen will have the opportunity of proving to 1 the citizens of Dunedin and the neighboring Provinces that their officers havo-done their duty during the past fifteen months. Both officers and men must hear In mind that not only New Zealand but the whole of Australia will criticise their conduct.at the forthcoming demonstration. I trust they, will not take umbrage at what I am going to' say, for it is honestly meant. J have, for some time been an eye-witness af their practices, both at the main station and at Great King street, and must acknowledge that they are very ’ smart in their running, but the work they have to do after shows a want of proper practice and discipline that I fear if not attended to will leave them out in the cold on the day of competition, I speak more particularity of the ladder and hose work. I also notice by the remarks of the men that one or two of the team do not turn up very regularly. This ought to be rectified at once - the time is drawing close and they should one and all put shoulder to shoulder and go in and win. The material is there if only used properly. Before concluding I have one word to say to the engine men, that is: continue’as you have been doing and you will not be far from the winning-post. Wishing every ■ success to the Dunedin boys, and hoping that they will at once buckle to in earnest, I am, &c, Dunedin, Dec. 9. An Old Fireman.