VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 670, 5 May 1870, Page 2

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

» PUBLIC MEETING. A meeting of members, honorary members, and subscribers to the Fire Brigade, was held last night at Gilmer's Hotel. The attendance, although limited at the commencement, was large, comprising nearly all the property-holders in town. J. Kilgottr, Esq., Mayor, was called to the chair, and in his opening remarks explained that the meeting had been called at the request of the Captain of the Fire Brigade, in order to lay before them a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Brigade for the past two years. He paid a marked compliment to the members of the Brigade for the efficiency they displayed on the occasion of the late fire. Capt. Whall, after a few introductory remarks, read the following statement, shewing that the amount of property held by the Brigade was more than equivalent to any liabilities or expenses due by them, and that in order to obtain greater efficiency it was only necessary to have a greater number of honorary members : — Statement of Receipts and Expend^ire o the Greymouth Volunteer Fire Brigade from February, 1869, to April 4, 1870.

He stated that the Mayor offered to advance the LSO due by the Borough Council, but that it was not absolutely needed. He further added that although the sum of LSO was due by the County Council it could only be looked upon as a doubtful asset, but when it did come he would be happy to receive it. In conclusion he rendered his and the Brigade's thanks to the honorary members who had hitherto supported the Brigade. The Mayor, in reply, said he saw no funds immediately available, and would suggest that a subscription list be at once commenced, so as to relieve the Brigade from all liabilities, and allow them to obtain sufficient materials to be placed in a state of efficiency. His Worship offered to head the list, and asked parties to come forward and subscribe for the same purpose. He drew the attention of the meeting to the great good afforded during the late fire by the stand pipe at the junction of Mackay and Boundary streets, and stated that had another pipe of similar dimensions been placed at Perotti's corner, the other engine would have been enabled to play upon the scene of the fire, and been of great help, whereas, through want of the means of obtaining a water supply, it was compelled to be idle. He closed his remarks by urgently impressing upon those present the urgent necessity of coming forward and supporting the Brigade by their contributions. Captain Whall, in answer to the Mayor, said that during the late fire the stand-pipe in Boundary street did not afford a sufficient supply of water to the large engine, but that if stand-pipes were put in closer to the river, an ample supply

for either of the two engines could always be secured. As it was, the stand-pipe used on the occasion of the late fire was found to be of great use. Mr Wickes, in answer to an enquiry, about the cost of the pipe in Boundary street, stated that pipes could be placed in the front and back streets for about Lls each. The Mayor thought that LlO each would be an ample sum, and again offered to subscribe towards defraying the expense of putting them in, and also to form one of a committee to collect the amount. Mr J. S. M. Thompson said that he was not in favor of a public subscription being entered into, and advocated the levying of a special rate for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the Brigade. The Mayor interposed, and said he did not consider it was fair to tax the whole town for the special advantage of a few, and that the collecting and expenses attendant upon the levying of such a rate would absorb nearly one-third of the whole amount collected. Mr Nancarrow said there was no special resolution before the meeting, and in order to do away with the desultory remarks of the previous speakers he' would move " That the thanks of the inhabitants are due to the Fire Brigade for their efforts hitherto, and that the papers brought forward to-night, and read by Captain Whall, are satisfactory." This was seconded by Mr J. S. Thompson in a few brief remarks, and declared carried. Mr Barkley moved "That steps be taken to strike a separate rate for the purpose of driving pipes for water supply, and also for placing the Fire Brigade in a more efficient state-" This was seconded by Mr S. Barclay and carried unanimously. Mr Joyce opposed the leving of the rate. Mr Parkinson supported Mi Barkley's proposition. Mr Wickes advocated the raising of a special rate, and advised that a petition be got up and presented to the Borough Council. He further advocated the election of a committee of six to collect the same so as to save expense, and get the amount realized quickly. It had been done formerly, and no difficulty was then experienced. Only L2OO was wanted, and by this means it could be got in one day. Mr Nancarrow spoke against the subscribers to the Brigade being limited to the list of hon, members. Mr Nicholl also opposed the system, and suggested that whereas by the present system hon. members only paid Ll yearly by having an open subscription list larger sums could be obtained. If such were not done Greymouth would belie her hitherto generous liberality. Mr Thompson strongly supported Mr Nicholl. Capt. Whall said that the present meeting had totally misunderstood the tenor of the advertisement. The Brigade did not want contributions from subscribers. They only wanted the subscriptions of honorary members. The men of the Brigade offered their services gratuitously. He and they declined to canvass the town. Such a course was against tbe spirit of the Brigade. Mr Nichol offered his services as one to canvass for subscriptions. Mr Maclean supported Mr Nichol, and spoke strongly in favor of a special rate. Ultimately a committee, consisting of Messrs Barkley, Masters, Sheedy, Joyce, Ashton, and Hildebrand, was proposed to take the necessary steps for drawing up the petition, and get the same presented to the Borough Council at next meeting. This terminated the proceedings, which were closed after a vote of thanks to the chair.

JL>r. ?o Cash in hand Night watchman's collection for his services Hon. members subscriptions Donations County Council Fine, B.M. Court - Proceeds of concert Imperial Insurance Co "Members' fund Overdrawn at Bank of KZ. £ s. d. 49 13 2 254 14 0 25 4 0 92 5 0 100 0 0 10 0 8 11 6 10 0 0 10 0 0 6 13 0 Cr. (y Night watchman's salary Hose reel Helmets, branch, and lanterns On account of uniforms - Belts, axes, and pouches - Iron work for standpipe - Iron work and repairs to plant Printing and advertising - Sundry expenditure for oil, coal, lamps, extra labor Eefund to pumpingaccount £558 0 8 £ s. d. 252 17 8 40 16 0 76 14 6 70 0 0 21 12 0 9 4 6 34 6 6 14 18 6 17 11 0 20 0 0