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Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1927, Page 2

Hokitika is blessed with a very scifsac: inci ng lioily of men. serving in the locai Fue Brigade The town Uoes not show outwardly that appreciation oi the worth of tno services of the Brigadesmen it should This is stated, because it comes to our ears that the til igade stands in need of certain equipment which is sadly lacking 'I here is the matter of uniiorms for instance. Belter tire-light ing appliances are required. A more modern station is needed with sleeping quarters for the lnie.eus of a company alile to go direct to an outbreak hv motor, and so save valuable time in the work of obtaining a mastery over the lire. I his may bca large order to attempt to fudill all at once. Lilt if it dues exist, it it is a real need lo add to the efficiency oi the Brigade then these has been parsimony and reiuissness in the past in permitting such a catalogue of requirements to accumulate. The Brigade as an essentially volunteer service costs the town very little outside its ordinary upkeep. That fact appears rather to be taken advantage of, or there is not enough interst taken in the work ami needs of the Brgade by the people to realise what is required. At the same time we are probably right in thinking if a demand for any or all ol the matters we have referred to were put lorwnrd, the Fire Board would he disposed to deal liberally with the requisition. The matter is one of great public interest, for seeking the freewill offering of the services of the men. ami the enthusiastic way in which their duties are discharged, it is Hot too much to expect the community to he specially concerned about anything tending to improve the efficiency and service of the Brigade. We know from casual observation that the Brigade is administered very economically and its appeals are few and far between. But tin* Brigade should not slider because of the thrifty management or its modesty in asking for what is required. In that latter respect the Fire Board has a duty to discharge, and perhaps now that the matter has been brought forward the whole position will he looked into and any shortcomings made good or provided for.