OUR FIRE BRIGADE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 20 May 1901, Page 4

OUR FIRE BRIGADE.

{To the Editor.)

Sir, —Within the past fow days we have in everyone's mouth the collapse of our Fire Brigade, and we have no doubt the manner in which they handled the fire was simply ridiculous. lam sure as they pass the remains, they must feel ashamed of themselves i but, sir, I don't mean to blame the firemen, but I do blame their Captain, because they have no system of working. Everybody do what they like. It was very lucky that none of the Firemen were not doomed for the manner in which they were handled. I am quite certain we have seen some of the best firemen in the Colony working at that fire, and simply messed about, and wo have seen some of the most gentlemen Firemen also. Now, sir, is thi3 to exist and the ratepayers money to be squandered in this manner ? I think not, and I would suggest re-organization let the Council appoint one new officer, and let him, with the present second officer, and Crs. Petrie, Sheody, and Joyce, say select a fresh Brigade. ■ X am quite sure the majority of the present men would bo selected fot you could not get better, and then we would have a pure Volunteer Fire Brigade, and not a so-called volunteer body with paid Captains and Secretaries, and would have some one to train them and instruct them at their rehearsals, where to place the engine in case of fire, instead of getting as far away as possible. Hoping I have not intruded and thanking you, I remain, — Ratepayer. [We disagree with our correspondent. It should be born in mind that when the steam engine broke down, tho fire absolutely under control, and would not have got outside Ashton's Hotel had thtwater supply kept up. When water failed, the Brigade was pretty much in the position of an attacking army whoso ammunition unexpectedly gives way. We think the actual work of the brigade, under the unfortunate circumstances was creditable. A number of folks are under the impression that the supply of water from the Rosamond saved the lower part of the block, whereas a matter fact there was not a single drop of water from the steamer put on that side of the fire. The fire was stopped at the boarding house through the assistance of a bucket brigade, aided by an occasional dash from the manual engine. —Ed. E.S.[