The Globe. MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1037, 22 October 1877, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1877.

At a recent gathering of the JLioinedin Fire Brigades a suggestion of a. somewhat important nature was made. It was pointed out that the Government >f the colony annually expended a very large sum in providing prizes for the volunteer corps, Not alone this, but certain representatives were carried to;

and from the place of firing free of charge. The question of the practical usefulness of the volunteer force has been debated very often, and a pretty general opinion appears to prevail that the return for the money expended is but small. Now of the usefulness—nay more than that the positive necessity —of Fire Brigades there can be no question. In our own city we possess a most efficient and admirably drilled body of men whose services on more than one occasion have been of the utmost value. Their time and labour are given freely, the body being a volunteer one, and it is therefore well worth considering whether the suggestion to establish prizes for efficiency could not be carried practically into effect. The gathering together in friendly rivalry of the brigades of the colony would have a wider influence than at first sight appears to be the case. It would not only stimulate them to efficiency in all the points of their work. That is only one of the advantages to b© gained. By the bringing them together and the interchange of ideas upon the best method of extinguishing fires much valuable information would be imparted and unlike the outcome of the rille competition the general public would be the gainer by the expenditure incurred. The result of the rifle competition does not go much further than the winning of medals and money prizes by a few marksmen. The community generally benefit but little at all events in no way commensurate with the cost. But if the suggestion we have alluded to be carried out, the result will be increased efficiency of our Fire Brigades, and, consequently, greater security to life and propert} r . We hope to see the matter brought under the notice of the Government, with the hope of a practical result. If, however, the General Government should be disinclined to undertake it, why should not the municipalities take the matter up ? A. conference of the municipalities might be held, and a contribution from each given, so as to establish a yearly competition, to be held alternately in the centres of population. The cost would be small when compared with the good results to be derived, and we therefore hope that the suggestion made in Dunedin will not be allowed to fall to the ground.