WANTED—A FIRE BRIGADE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 20 March 1909, Page 2

WANTED—A FIRE BRIGADE.

The destructive fire at Bulls early yesterday morning, which made a clean sweep of the business portion of one side ot its main thoroughfare, including the new and imposing Post Office, carries another warning to Foxton. Had there been any fire - fighting appliances in our unfortunate neighbouring township, one quarter of the damage would not have been done. Time and again we have urged the necessity tor a local fire brigade. The young fellows in the town would willingly enhst as brigadesmen, but they are powerless to do anything unless the local authority takes the initiative. A manual fire engine, hose and reel, fare sumps, and building are required, and it is the duty of the Borough Council to provide the initial cost of same. Months pass by, yet nothing is done. If the governing authority would only call a public meeting to discuss the question, it would evidence that they were not dead to their responsibilities. We have previously asked for this. ’Some time ago money was spent on the erection of a band house, and a snuffl

annual grant is madefor band purposes, but the pom-pom of the double bass and the thumping of the big drum will afford little consolation if half the town is destroyed, We don’t begrudge money grants to the Band, but provision should first be made to safeguard valuable lives and property. If the Council will give the matter earnest consideration t we have no doubt that townspeople and the fire insurance com - panics will bear a fair portion o f the upkeep of the brigade. Wil we wait till half the town is destroyed before we recognise that a fire brigade is a necessity ?