HELPING FIRE BRIGADE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 83, 31 December 1937, Page 7

HELPING FIRE BRIGADE

"ONE OF THE CULPRITS."

Sir, — In ahswer to Superintendent R. Henderson's complaint in last night's issue I wish to state my side of the case. Arriving at the fire a few minutes after the brigade I helped to keep the crowd back until I was asked to run out a length of hose for a second lead. I assisted and helped to put in the union, and as water was not forthcoming I went to the hydrant where there was a man Who had turned the pressure practically off, thinking he had turned it on. I showed him how to work the hydrant. I may SRy that the man at the hydrant was not a fireman, hence the delay of pressure. Returning to the fire I pulled hoses into position and as' I was practically wet through I asked if there was a spare uniform on the engine. The fiTeman I Was helping said here was not, but told me to get one from the station. I went to the fire station and asked for a uniform and it was handed out to me. Ihey accepted my coat and hat to keep in safety for me. Upon retufning again to the fire I immediately • met Superintendent Henderson, whom I had not previously seen,. and asked him what I could do. He iold me it was not a "pannican brigade" and to return the Uniform from where I got it. Naturally, having got wet through before the superintendent's arrival, as I understand he was at the previous outbreak, I was upset. As for being a stranger, I am a local resident, and have been interested in fire brigade matters for 25 years and been in Superintendent Henderson's company on many occasions, discussing fire brigade matters. Knowing there were several members away and two fires to be attended to, what else couid a man do but offer his services? Wishing the brigade the best and trusting they will stick to the motto "Always Ready." — Yours, etc.,

Hastings, Dec. 30, 1937.