WHAT IS WANTED!

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 276, 5 June 1886, Page 2

WHAT IS WANTED!

[COMMUNICATED.J The question frequently asked by strangers and travellers passing through our isolated township is, " What precautions do you take here against fire ?" Curiousity is naturally aroused by seeing some tolerably good houses, furnished with considerable care and cost, and jet without any apparent means of protection against fire. The only reply that a straightforward resident can give to such a question is " None except buckets and water, to be handed along the streets."

Now, in many instances the number of people required to perform this dut> in such an emergency would not be forthcoming. Though providence has so far smiled on us kindly, in spite of many provocations to reduce our township to ashes, it behoves those holding property in the district to take some very decided steps in their efforts to institute a system by which tbey can retire to rest comparatively free from anxiety ot being burned out. Several committees have been formed here to further this necessity, but have never gone beyond buying buckets and arranging stands to hold the same. Now that the town water supply is in excellent working what would be easier than to canvass householders in the district for subscriptions to provide hose reel, ladders, &c, at a very trifling cost, combined with an effort to form a minature fire brigade of say half a-dozen able citizens, ready and willing in times of emergency to protect their own property and that of others from partial or total destruction. The neglect of any effort in this matter also renders it difficult to insure valuable property to anything approaching its value, and even when partially insured, only at the highest premiums. Forwaroed is forearmed, and if the Lyell public will continue to remain so apathetic in a matter of such vital importance to their own interests, after the dearly bought experience of the inhabitants of Capleston, and other West Coast townships, they can scarcely expect or deserve the sympathy of the world. Rus in Übbe.