FIRE BRIGADE

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 822, 21 February 1903, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE

(By Darktown.)

As the time is now drawing near when tho big competition takes place at Napier it is with considerable interest that tho work of tho local team has been watched, and the following ideas seem to be impressed on my mind: The team strikes me as being fairly good all round, although not so good as some of the ones that have made the district famous in the record .line. They are not quite heavy enough and could do with a little more speed, but as a combination they are fairly good ; however, they seem to me to be wanting in what might bo called “ esprit de corps.” They do not put enough life into their practice, and seem to bo glad when it is over. And in passing it would he as well to add, that other members of the Brigade do not assist them in preparing the gear as well as they should do with one or two exceptions. 1 will now go over the events they are practising as far as I have seen : Five men manual : In this event the team are not worked well together, and the dressing requires a lot more practice than is given to it, and during the runs I have seen not one of them that could be called even fair ; there seemingly is to much go as you please in it. The hose hydrant and union (5 men) : They show up better, and get the work done in fair style.

Hose and ladder (5 men) : There is room for improvement, and tne reel might be run out further to advantage ; the branchman having to handle the couplings and hose too much. Three men manual : Two of the team seem to finish before the third, and he might be assisted in part of his duties by the fireman doing the suction work.

Three men and hydrant: The men get through the work fairly well, and should make a good show in this event. Coupling, two men : This event I have not seen practised, and if the competitors get a place in this with all they are doing I shall be very much surprised. The same thing also applies to the rescue for two men,

In the single ladder, Fireman Wallace shapes very well, and should he get a clean run on the day will be well in it. G. Wildish, the veteran, has won so many prizes in his time both at outside and local competitions as to be looked upon as an institution of Gisborne. Although the oldest member, he is the best all-round man in the team, and his penchant for practice might well be copied by the other members. F. Henderson, the heaviest and fastest man, is a real good team man; coolheaded and very willing; can be relied on in an emergency. Newman has represented the Brigade an one occasion at an outside competition, “"d is on the light side ; but in his posi- ' ’“""t man is very reliable, and ion as nyu t _.. u< “ work, isually is up to time wuu . A. Wallace is also on the light side, but is exceptionally smart in getting through his work when everything is going satisfactorily; does not, however, seem to make a recovery when a slip occurs.

McLachlan has also represented the brigade before. He is fairly heavy and fast; but could put a little more energy into his work with advautage.

Emergency C. Nield has done good service in local competitions, and was also emergency for the last team at Christchurch.