THE LATE FIRE.

Feilding Star, 22 June 1893, Page 2

THE LATE FIRE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THB STAR. Sw, — As Considerable reflections have been cast on the Fire Brignde for their alleged laxity in turning out to the fire which took place in Queen street, allow me to say a few words in explanation. Owing to tbe heavy rainfall at the time, very few people beard the firebell ring at all, and it was not nntil I had run to the engine shed, and back again to the bell tower and rnng tbe bell for some time, that any of the members of the Brigade heard it. Only Fireman Thomson and myself heard the bell when rnng by the nightwatehman. Eight of the Brigade (Mr \V. Chamberlain assisting) got the engine out of tbe shed into Kimbolon road ; no small tank, to drag it through 1 two chains of paddock with 6 inches of tund before getting to the metal road. Sir, in this connection if the Brigade are to be of any service in saving valuable property the Borough Council should take ' the matter in hand, and provide a Brigade Station, or if they cannot afford that, an engine shed nenr the road. It is simply disgraceful that with Mich small means as we have got to combat a fire, that the Brigade should have to drag their engine through a mad paddock. Trusting that our worthy and energetic Mayor will take up the matter, I am etc., Alfred Eade, Captain Fire Brigade.