THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 September 1918, Page 2

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —Allow me space in your valued paper to draw attention to the state of the Fire Brigade, and the attitude taken towards it. The recent fire which occured in the Echo Buildings should bring before the notice of the public the necessity of keeping in an efficient state either a volunteer or paid Fire Brigade. It must not be lost sight of that the Helensville Brigade is a volunteer one, and that therefore they entirely rest upon the generosity of the, public for help, which should certainly not be withheld from them. The work they performed at the fire is highly commendable, for it must not be forgotten that they had -no practice for a year, and also the whol* Brigade did not turn out, so it goes without saying that Messrs Robinson, Bradly, Fifield, and Vercoa acted in a very able manner, and their work was as well performed as the work done by some of the Fire Boards with proper equipment and good training. . I would also like to Btate here that the Town Board should undoubtedly stand by them at all times, and that the expenses which might be incurred through the actions of the Brigade should be borne by the public at the instance of the Board; My mind goes back to an incident which occurred about a year ago, when a certain "bath" took place on the road, the Brigade supplying the water, and i can but say that the application of water to one's person is a highly necessary i thing and that the individuals who might be caught in tha rain, washed in a tub, or splashed by the practising of the Brigade to make themselves in an efficient state, should not "cry" too loudly. I therefore think that at certain times certain of the bacic streets could be set aside for the use of the Brigade where they could practice with safety to themselves and the public. In cases of fire the worth of a Brigade lies in the fact that they are able to save adjoining properties from destruction, and it is a well-known fact that very rarely does a j person hare sufficient insurance to cover all losses. It -is therefore very evident that even from a selfish point of view the public should help. It is proposed to have a concert (after the present efforts for our Queen are over) to raise funds for the Helensville Fire Brigade tor defraying the expenses of new equipment needed. Trusting that the public of Helensville will rise to the occasion.— I am, etc.,

A. J. Skelton.

Helensville, 9th Sept., 1918,