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Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1929, Page 4

Wi; are Imping in the general interests of.the t<'\vn that one of the outcomes of the visit of the New Zealand firemen to Hokitika, will he improved equipment for the local Brigade, and the provision of more modern quarters in a more central situation. Tt must he (•'■needed that if the Brigade is to rank usefully with the organisations of other centres represented here, it must have the two essentials we refer to modern equipment and better housing. The efficiency of the Bi igade is the first essential for its public usf fulncsr It must be handicapped bj

tlm plant it has to operate with, and it is coitainly at a disadvantage in regard to the placing of the bulk of its plant, which is far from being central, now that the residential part of the town is becoming more and more removed, from the business quarter. A central site for a No 1 Station with residential quarters for three or four men who could handle motor transport to an outbreak of alarm, would be a great improvement on present conditions. The lion Michel, in the .ourso of his vig reus speech at tne luncheon to the Conference- delegatus on Aiondav, indicated that the Fire Hoard was ready to do its part in meeting the wishes of the local brigade it application were made for improved equipment. We take it- tin* local Brigade will not be backward in putting forward its application which should cover a comprehensive scheme supplying the necessary reforms which should cover a comprehensive scheme ‘supplying the- necessary reforms which havboen indicated as so essential. Air Robbins, another of the speakers, wlm recognises the usefulness of Fire Hoards n.s a means to see to the equipment of Brigades, also indicated the readiness with which requests of a reasonable character from fire-fighting institutions were complied with. We mentioned the other day the general obligation the community was under to the men who took up the duties of firemen voluntarily, and indicated that some requiital for the servbes should ho forthcoming. Tt wou’d lie. a very worthy action to take to give the Brigade all the support possible in equipment necessary for the more effective services they are called on to perform. '1 he town is fortunate in the general excellence of its water supply, and for the manner in which that material aid to’ success is utilised by the Brigade. but if those services can be Increased in value it will be all for the betterment of the community. The matter lias now come forward s i prominently that there should not be further delay in action. The next move is up to the Hokitika Fire Brigade, and from all appearances, if it asks, it will receive.