The Manawatu Standard. PUBLISHED DAILY. Suivant la verite. MONDaY, APRIL 23. 1883. A FIRE BRIGADE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 115, 23 April 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard. PUBLISHED DAILY. Suivant la verite. MONDaY, APRIL 23. 1883. A FIRE BRIGADE.

We remind our readers that Mr Bentlkt has convened a meeting for this evening at 8 o'clock, at the Commercial Hotel, at which to discuss the advisability of forthwith establishing a fire* brigade. Many a score of times m these columns have we urged the importance of an institution of this kind, for a wooden town like Palmerston. We have pointed out times and again that the town is absolutely destitnte of any appliances whatever for the extinction of a fire. Palmerston has heretofore enjoyed an almost miraculous immunity from destruction of property by fire, but it cannot be expected that such will continue for ever. Marion haß had a well-appointed fire-brigade for years past; and we don't suppose there is another town of the size and population of Palmerston m the North Island without a local fire-brigade. It is not creditable to us as a community, with a -reputation for being progressive aad go ahead, that we lag behind m this important essential. We are better off than Marion, m having abundance of water all the year round. There is no reason why Palmerston should not have a most efficient fire-brigade and all requisite appliances ,and once launched into existence, we doubt not the public will freely give their support. It would | be a capital training for our young men, and would keep them from other less laudable pursuits. Mr Bbntley deserves credit for having taken the initiative m a very important local matter, and he should confidently depend upon the countenance and co« operation of tne entire community, which has been long enough m a lethargic state, m respect of the matter of fire protection* It is terrible to think how helpless we are should a fire break out, say m the Square ! What could pur citizens do but stand and gaze on the progress of the destructive egency. Is this stato .of things to continue ? Foi the sake of our credit here and abroad we sincerely trust not. All we lack is organization. The bone and muscle we have ; and the ways and means are not beyond our resources. We trust the meeting to-night will unanimously come to a definite ami tangible decision on this urgent and all important question. . .. .