The Kumara Times. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1878.

Kumara Times, Issue 558, 11 July 1878, Page 2

The Kumara Times. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1878.

WHEN a nrvm er of persons voluntarily constitute themselves into a body for the specific purpose of protecting the lives and property of their fellowcitizens, they at once become to a cert. i i extent; a public institution, and their actions are open to either approval or ensure as the case may be. Taking this view, and with the knowledge of the valuable services still fresh in our memory, so recently rendered to this town by our local brigade of volunteer firemen, we feel no hesitation in alluding to a subject that will be prominently brought before the Borough Council this evening. The expenses connected with the formation of the Kumara Volunteer Fire Brigade for appliances, gear, &c. were, in the first instance, a heavy item, and it must be taken into consideration that, even at the present time, it possesses not the mi'-inum of the requisites necessary for a moderately well-appointed fire brigade. Under these circumstances the brigade, through one of their number (a member of the Borough Council), requests that body to recognise their past services by voting a small amount to meet outstanding liabilities, and to pro- ( cure some extra appliances that are | urgently required. In our opinion the demand is both moderate, justified, and thoroughly deserving, as in the face of ■ great disadvantages the brigade has, on , several occasions, successfully supi pressed the destroying element,—imtby the number of engines employed—but 1 by hard work, bodily danger, and good j organization. We need only instance j the late fire on the. Main Bond; the j houses were of wood, no water was I available, the fire when discovered had ; complete mastery of the building in j which it originated, and, despite all this, j the flames were confined to a small comi pass by the exertions of our well-dis- | ciplined firemen. This being a matter j affecting the safety of the inhabitants generally, and the welfare of the town I «it we trust the members of our municipal body will, by their action this evening, show that they fully appreciate the services aud benefits derived j from a trustworthy Fire Brigade.