The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1893. The Fire Brigade

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 127, 15 April 1893, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1893. The Fire Brigade

Wk have noticed with some regret that the practices of the local Fire Brigade are not so well attended as they should be, considering the importance of the responsibilities undertaken by the officers j and members. It is just possible that because their services have, fortunately, not been required for snine time, this lack of interest may be displayed, but it is also probable that the lack of interest in the Brigade shown b.v the business people, and the general public, has caused the firemen to lose heart a little. We confess that they are deserving of some encouragement. They give their services without fee or tho hope of reward. When ft fire occurs they turn out to a man, and work like galley slaves saving property in which they have not tlie slightest personal interest — and when all is over, are satisfied with the bare thanks they receive while the funds of the Brigade are augmented with a guinea or two. In the meantime they have to incur certain inevitable expenses which far esceed their revenue from this source, and all denciences have to be paid out of their own pockets. This is manifestly unjust. These men should not have this burden to bear. It is generous enough of them to give their time, and devote their energies, to the advantage of their fellow citizens, and no more should be expected of them. We are well aware that every business man in the Borough has already to pay a heavy tax in the way of Fire Insurance, but at the same time we also know that there is a large margin of valuable property in goods uncovered by the policies. A trifle subscribed by each of them would total up to a sum which would mean aflluence to the Brigade, and which at the same time would practically be an additional insurance of the donors' wares. We appeal to all business men, and residents in the town to come to the assistance of the Brigade either by joining as working members, or as honorary members by contributing an annual fee. Unless something of the kind is done, and done quickly, we fear the Brigade will die of inanition.