To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 46, 15 May 1862, Page 5 (Supplement)

To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times.

Sir, —Among the numerous wants and requirements of the Town of Napier, may be enumerated the want of a fire engine and hell. It is a want that is universally recognised by the public, and one that ought to he supplied as soon as possible ; not only so much for the safety of property, but also, perhaps for the preservation of life. The insurance companies (for I believe they are the parties who ought to see about getting a fire engine and bell) should arouse themselves from the dreamy stupor into which they have apparently fallen, and set about procuring these much called for requisites ; for who knows the day or the hour a fire may break out, as disastrous as the one which occurred in Napier on the morning of Thursday, the 3rd April ? And then there would

be as much destruction of property as on the day which lias been rightly described by the Herald as a “ Black Thursday iu the annals of Napier.” And there may be many more such days if the proper authorities do not quickly set about acquiring for this town the great boon of a fire engine and bell. Hoping some action will shortly be taken in this matter, I remain, sir. Yours truly, Napier, May 6, 1862. "Napxek.