FIRE BRIGADE REPORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 13 July 1901, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE REPORT.

The following report was presented to tire Borough Council at their last meeting :

“ I have much pleasure in submitting herewith my ninth annual report in connection with the Greymouth Fire Brigade for the year ending June 30th last. “ Since my last report 34 practices and live special parades were held by the Brigade, and six fire alarms were also made. The total number of attendances, 35 in all, were duly observed by the Secretary and myself; the attendance of the other members averaging 26, which is a very high record, “The fire alarms attended by the Brigade were as follows :

“1. January 14th, 12 30 p.m,, lire at Peter Stephenson’s. Burnt out.

“ 2. January 28th, 5 15 p.m,, J. Ferguson, rubbish burning. (The officer in charge of the Brigade should be notified by the authorities when burning permits are given ; the reason is obvious.) “3. February 28th, 1 30 a.m,, Cobdcn Library. The building was completely gutted when the alarm was given. “ 4. February 12th, 8 p.m., chimney at llevmgton’s.

“o. May 4th, 2 p.m., Mrs Timlale’s boardinghouse. At tin's fire (lie Brigade was very smartly at tire scene. Considering (lie ago and highly inflammable of the building, the splendid cut out accomplished is a credit to the Brigade. I/' “G. May 14th, 3 a.m., liichmond Quay fire This fire was of a most serious nature, and had obtained a strong hold before the alarm was given. When the alarm rang, the Brigade attended with great promptitude and found Ashton’s Hotel in,amass of flames. We concentrated our endeavours to cut it out and confine the fire to the hotel. This, in the opinion of the members of the Brigade and myself, we had succeeded in accomplishing, when, through the unfortunate break down of the fire engine at a most critical state, the fire again assumed control, and for 20 minutes the whole block was in a position of serious dangci. At this juncture the officers of the s. s. Bosamond generously came to my assistance with a jet of water, and with this we kept the fire in check until (he fire engine was again of service. Once more the flames were watered, but the unfortunate delay caused the loss of Hildcbiand’s premises and the damage to the Imperial Hotel, on the one side, and to Flaherty’s boardinghouse on the other. Notwithstanding the heavy gale blowing and the serious disadvantage of a late alarm and break down of the steam fire engine, the prompt and effective work of the Brigade, combined with the valuable

assistance of the bucket service of the citizens, saved the lower portion of the block, and in my opinion the result achieved is one of greatest credit to the fire prevention service of the Borough.

“Since this fire, the steamer and manual-have been subjected to thorough overhauls, and severely tested to their highest working efficiency with the most satisfactory results. “Description of the hose and memoranda dealing with several matters in connection with the working of the service, have been forwarded your Council from a Committee of the Brigade. These matters I cannot too strongly urge upon your immediate attention. Should another large fire unfortunately occur, it might be impossible for us to cope with it, through the insufficiency of suitable hose.

“ With reference to your Council’s recommendation to test the steamer at three weekly intervals, I respectfully submit that its observance would necessarily alter our night of practice and meeting. I have, however, arranged to have a thorough lest made once a month, and will furnish you with quarterly reports thereon, unless the need should arise for one at more frequent intervals. “On May Bth, I received orders to go to Blackball, with 2,500 feet of hose and ‘a manual engine and company. We left Groymouth on the Wednesday, but could not succeed in effecting a crossing of the river until the following day, and at 3 o’clock the same afternoon had the water playing 2,400 within the mine. We worked almost continuously for four days, before we had the fire thoroughly subdued which was effected on the Sunday afternoon. We returned to Groymouth on the Monday following.

“ I regret to say that the manner in which the firemen and myself have been treated In connection with this fire is far from satisfactory or encouraging. Two months have elapsed since the fire, our services have not as yet been recognised, and I respectfully submit that it is now time the Council took action in the matter. With regard to the firemen under my control, I can only re-endorse my previous reports as to their promptitude and efficiency, and further, congratulate my officers as being the right men in the right place. In conclusion, I heartily Blank your Council for the assistance at all times rendered me, and I trust the cordial relations existing between us may ever continue.— Robeex Vinsen, Captain G.Y.F.8.”