THE Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, FRIDAY, 24th FEBRUARY, 1965.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 231, 24 February 1865, Page 2

THE Hawke's Bay Times. NAPIER, FRIDAY, 24th FEBRUARY, 1965.

The occurrence of anotlier destructive fire iu Auckland, together with those reported as of receijt date in Otago and Canterbury, are awful warnings to us of what may at any time take place in our midst. For many months this town has been free from this terrible visitation, and we trust that may prove but the beginning of a greatly extended period, still, as we cannot say what may from day to day occur, it behoves us to hb prepared for it. Up to this date we have not received any report from the committee appointed at a late meeting on this subject. We trust and have no doubt that the individuals composing that committee are fully alive to the importance of the work, and are taking measures for the organization of a Fire Brigade, &c. ; but the subject is one that is of urgent importance, as the consequence of delay may prove to be very disastrous to the town.

We observe that one of the causes of the great destruction usually attending these calamities where a regular organised .brigade does not exist, is to be found in the want vl such organisation. Strength and willingness are not unfrequently found in ample abundance ; but these are rendered compuritmdy unavailable from the need of a properly constituted head, with quick perception to discover the Lest line of action, and with authority to direct that it he pursued, for when this is wanting there inevitably results a confusion of ideas—a clashing of intention —many fatal mistakes iu what is done or iu the time of doing it, beside the hinderance often occasioned by many trying to do what could he better done by few in a space of small dimensions, and so obstructing when the iuintentiou is to aid.

The Auckland fire gives an instance in point of misdirected energy and consequent waste of time and water that was needed to be turned to better use — playing upon a brick building at the order of an irresponsible person)—and will illustrate our meaning in this respect. Another point, too, ia the condition of the engine and hose, which too frequently happens to be out of order and in need of repairs just when wanted for use, so that as much water is wasted from leakage as is rendered available fur the checking of tho fire. This is perhaps not likely to be the case here, where the engine is new, and has happily not as yet been needed for actual work. But dry weather has a tendeuc yto disorder certain portions of such apparatus, and occasional examinations and trials are at least desirable. There is something annoying in the idea of waste of water and labor at a time perhaps when both are of very limited supply and so greatly needed for actual use.

We trust we .shall not have occasion to refer to this matter again until we are able to report the actual existence aad organisation of an effective Fire Brigade.