WELLINGTON FIRE POLICE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5443, 6 September 1878, Page 3

WELLINGTON FIRE POLICE.

A special meeting of the above force was held at the Wellington Fire Brigade Hall, Manners-street, last evening, when an alteration was made as to rule 10. Three lieutenants are to be elected in future, instead of four, and four committee men, instead of three. A general meeting was then held, when the following report was read and adopted ;

“Gentlemen, —Your committee, in making its report for the past half-year, would, in the first place, beg leave to offer a few observations on the working of the corps since its formation. Although, strictly speaking, _ the report should only deal with the last half-year—-a former report, as you are aware, having been presented to you—still, this being the end of the year, the committee deemed it advisable to embrace in the report a few particulars in connection with the corps since it has been in existence. As you are aware, the corps was formed in the latter part of the year 1377, for the purpose of saving life and property at fires that might unfortunately occur in the city, and since that time there have been 55 persons in the corps, of which 23 have retired from it, six of whom joined during the past half-year, and six have left during the same period, In mentioning this circumstance, the committee has to express its deep regret at the number of members who have beau compelled to resign from various causes, which has not allowed the corps to attain its proper strength ; bnt, at the same time, the committee cannot help thinking that many have left from a disinclination to perform the duties recjuired of them. The committee, however, desires to express its approbation of the manner in which most of the members composing the corps at present, many of whom have been in it since its formation, have attended to the various calls made upon them, often at a great personal sacrifice. IVhilst on this subject, the committee deem ft necessary to state that the outside public, who reap the benefit of the services of the corns, should take more interest in its welfare than has hitherto been done. Tho experience of the past year proves conclusively the necessity there was for a corps of this description, and if properly managed it, must prove of incalculable benefit to the public generally. The •committee therefore thinks that more pecuniary aid ought to be given by insurance companies and others to enable the corps to be worked successfully, and be made more attractive, so that good and useful members may he induced to remain, and others obtained, to bring the corps up to its nominal strength. Since the committee had last the honor of laying a report before yon, the services of the 'corps have been called into requisition on four occasions to assist at fires, two of which have fortunately proved to be of no serious moment. On every occasion it was gratifying to find a good muster of the members present. In case of those absent apologies in most cases have been given, accounting for thir absence, which, as a rule, the committee has deemed satisfactory. Tho committee have to express its deep regret that it has been compelled to borrow money from the members’ fund in order to meet the necessary expenses, the general fund for the working of the corps not being sufficient at times to liquidate the liabilities incurred. Tne amount borrowed is shown in the balance-sheet, aud you will observe that it has been refunded, together with the interest due thereon; and it is°hoped that the committee for the ensuing year may not have to resort to tins method of meeting the current expenses of the corps. In conclusion, the committee hogs to urge upon the members tho strict necessity of obeying the orders of the officers appointed by tho corps, for without proper discipline no body of men can be worked successfully j and if members will only adhere strictly to the rules •framed for their guidance there ca'nnot be a ■doubt bnt that the corps will prove of incalculable benefit to the community at large.” The election of officers for the ensuing year was then held, aud resulted, as follows : 'Captain Asher was again elected captain, Mr. Selbey was chosen first lieutenant, Mr. Pegrutn ■second lieutenant, and Mr. Hook third lieutenant. A vote of thanks to the Wellington Fire Brigade for their courtesy to the Eire Police Eorce ever since the starting of that body was put aud passed, and tho meeting then terminated.