FIRE-FIGHTING.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1924, Page 4

FIRE-FIGHTING.

FAST BECOMING A SCIENCE. BRIGADES NEED LIBRARIES. WELLINGTON, June IG. Fire-lighting is rapidly becoming a science, and in the near future the human clement- will have to give way to scientific measures. A most interesting address was given by Fire Superintendent Tait last week at the Constable street fire station, when members of tile Wellington \olunteer Fire Police entertained the. ofii<CJs and men of the .station and detachments from the various stations in the city. An excellent musical programme was rendered by Messrs R. Roberts, Gregg. Brokenshire, lloiieben, and J. Bryant. Mr C. Dean officiated at the piano. Advantage was taken by the lire police to present a handsome haokca.se to the station. Captain Wright in making the presentation, spoke in terms of high appreciation of the great work being carried on by tbe firemen in tho cause of humanity, likening their work to that of the soldier on the battlefield. It was equally as noble and self-sacri-ficing, he said, lie hoped that the case would soon become full of good lending matter. Hitts enabling firemen to Keep pace with the evor-increusjng demand for knowledge. The present period was one of progress in science, ami when one great scientist develop'd the elements in one method ol destruction, other scientists quickly looked around for some iiieiins of combating it. There was no fireprool building, liro-resist-j ing some might he. but in mis age beat could be generated that- would - crumble tbe finest building coiistruel!ed bv man. For instance, tbe latest ! electric ray recently invented. tor winch nations were now quarrelling was worked on the principle of heat, and would, in the event of war. pro--1 hably he used for the purpo-u of destroying human life, and the destrue- : tion of works of human creation. Other ! scientists would probably invent something to combat this, and so the fireman's duties would become more and more involved as time progressed. It was only by keeping up with the great nations of the world per medium ol book-reading that the firemen would he able to combat fires in Hie near lutlll'O.