NEW FIRE BRIGADE STATION.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 742, 4 November 1876, Page 2

NEW FIRE BRIGADE STATION.

At the invitation of the City Counoil, Mr W. Rolleston, with some members of the late Provincial Executive, and the representatives from the Associated Insurance Association, met at half-past twelve yesterday at the new fire brigade station to make an official inspection of the building for the purpose of seeing whether the amounts contributed by the Provincial Government and association had been judiciously expended, The building—which is certainly the finest fire brigade station in New Zealand—was thoroughly inspected from basement to tower, most satisfactory opinions being expressed by all, as to the suitableness of the buildiDg throughout and the completeness of the fittings and arrangements. An adjournment was then made to the engine room where refreshments had been prppared. After a short interval, the Mayor said that after the very satisfactory inspection that day, and the flattering expressions as to how the Council had expended the money so kindly voted by the Provincial Government and United Insurance Association, he felt it his duty on behalf of the citizens to express their thanks to the members ef both bodies for the very liberal manner in which they had responded to the appeal from the City Council to aid them in erecting the present building, which was not only a credit to Christchurch, but would, he hoped, also prove a material auxiliary for preventing loss to the citizens by fire. He now desired to propose the "Late Provincial Executive," coupled with the name of Mr W. Bolleston, whom he desired for that occasion to be allowed still to call his Honor the Superintendent. [Loud cheers.J The toast was duly honored. Mr Rolleston, who rose amid loud applause, expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing that day how well the money given by the provincial authorities had been spent for the benefit of the citizens. Though pro vincial institutions had now ceased to exist, they had done much good in their day, and would always be remembered with the kindliest feelings. Provincialism had ceased to exiet by the wish of the people, through their representatives in the Assembly, by whom abolition had been carried. He had most streuuously opposed abolition, and had worked with the Opposition from the first, but as by the voice of the people (most stroDgly marked by those of Christ church and the province) it had become an accomplished fact, he felt it was only the duty of all those interested in the progress of Canterbury to use their utmost endeavours and give their best aid in carrying out this wish of the people, as expressed through their representatives. As a citizen of New Zealand he would consider this to be hitfuture duty, (Applause. J

Sir Cracroft Wilson said he had taken office at the express wish of the Provincial Council, with a promise that he should remain there until removed by the Council, Until Provincial institutions were abolished he had stuck to his promise, and he might tell them that after having faithfully kept it he retired into private life with much satisfaction to himself.

Hon J, T. Peacock in his remarks said the people had clamoured for abolition, and had now got it, and he hoped they would not be disappointed with it, but he had grave doubts that the people would get ail they bargained for under abolition.

After the toast of the " United Insurance Association" had been proposed and replied to, a number of other toasts were proposed. In replying to some remarks made by Mr M. B. Hart on the Lichfield street water supply, whose opinion was that these works if carried out in a proper manner would have been effective, Mr Walkden, city surveyor, suggested a plan by which all controversy about this work might be put an end to, and his (Mr Walkden's) professional skill tested, and that was by Mr Hart going to the expense of laying down pipes along a shallow bank at the side of the river, for a similar length to those laid down in Lichfield street, with wooden sumps where the engine might be tried, and by this inexpensive process the matter might be set at rest for ever. After the toast of " The Christchurch Fire Brigade," which was warmly received, had been drunk, and responded to by Mr Superintendent Harris, the company separated. The members of the Brigade will celebrate the opening of the new station towards the end of the month.