The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1929. FIRE BRIGADE REFORM.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1929. FIRE BRIGADE REFORM.

With tlm approach ol the hire Iht•radi's Colil'erenoe and Demonstration to |,o hold shortly lioro, wo author from casual ooiivorsa I ions that some <>l the self-sacrilioing members ol' the local Brigade arc rather perturbed at the ancient appearance of the local CMjiiipmont for lire purposes which has to do service here. A casual inspection ol tho plant, as also of the building, will oonfirm that view to a great extent, and siieli Iveing the ease, the siihject is one for citizen consideration. I he local Brigade has made certain representations on tho subject to the hire Bo a ul, which is the controlling body in the matter, but nothing is being attempt-

od apparently to briny; about what appears to ■ o essential reforms. The b>. ii 1 brigade lias done the town excellent service over lone; years. and the monetary cost in relatimi to the services rendered lias certainly been trilling. The brigade is a volunteer body essentially, and its services are at the disposal of all in any emergency. As to the equipment, some of it must date tack to tin; earliest, years of the town’s efforts in lire prevention. There is nothing; modern about the equipment, nor anv attempt to modernise it. The building is probably the newest part of t In* out lit. and it is old enough and inconvenient enough to be readily condemned. As a matter ot fact flic members of the brigade are keen for a now station, with residential quarters for a unit to give immediate service on the occasion of an alarm ol lire, by way oi a motor vehicle which would mean the enrlist possible arrival of an equipped and quaiilicd squad to deal efficiently with the outbreak. At present flit* men reside remote from the stall mi (which is not in a central position as far as tin* rcsidental part of tne town is concerned) and their call is often a matter of conjecture. The transfer of plant from • the .station to the seat of the lire is frequently a matter of happy chance, depending; on the arrival of a friendly motor, or the consideration of a passing motorist. ~s oik* brigadesman remarked, a turn out savours of a Keystone display at times so precarious and uncertain is if whether the brigade and its equipment will reach the outbreak with any promptitude. As the suppression of liras in a borough such as this, where wooden buildings predominate, depends chiefly on the earliest possible arrival of the firemen, it must he re(ognised that there is room for reform in the conditions under which the brigade has to act. There is no doubt a handicap against both promptness and efficiency. Obviously it would “pay” to have both better equipment and the facilities for handling that equipment, to Lin* best advantage. Other centres me showing the necessary attention to this matter, and just why Hokitika should lag behind can be accounted for only by indifference to what is alter all of great importance to every property-holder. Tin* town is fortunate in having a high pressure water supply, but even that loses its value d the opportunity to utilise it to the eroatest advantage is not afforded. As tin* matter is under the attention of the Fire Board, it is to he hoped the question of reorganising the local outlit and housing il on modern lines, will be gone into. Many ol the visiting brigadesmen will be able to supply useful information regarding the cost oi a building with residential quarters, as also in regard to necessary motor plant for transfer of men and equipment to the seat, of the lire. Having gleaned tin* host information in respect to such matters the board should set alwmf providing all that is necessary to bring tin* .Brigade nn-to-dat.e and in line with the best found services provided in towns of similar size and importance to Hokitika.