Opunake Fire Brigade.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 8, 27 July 1894, Page 3

Opunake Fire Brigade.

About thirty propertyholders and others met in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening to consider the advisability of forming a fire brigade in the township. Messrs Rogers and Pettigrew sent apologies for absence. Mr A. O’Brien was voted to the chair. He read the notice convening the meeting, and stated briefly the object of it. He then called on Mr Stewart to explain what was proposed. Mr Stewart said they were all fully aware that at present there were no means of coping with a fire should one unfortunately break out. Ihe town was young yet, but was developing signs of rapid improvement, and he did not think it was advisable to longer delay the formation of a brigade. If a brigade were started on a moderate scale it would grow with the town, but the great thing in such matters make a start. By degrees they’would, no doubt, be able to get full appliances, but in the meantime all they aimed at procuring were buckets, ladders, and hooks. He was given to understand that the Town Board would grant a section for building a shed, and later on would possibly help in erecting a shed. There could be no question of the benefit of an organised body in the event of a fire taking place, which might not only be the means of saving property but also saving life. There was only a small supply of water at present available, but* in this respect they were no worse off than other places, and a great deal could be done with what there is if a proper use were made of it. No doubt the Insurance Companies would assist, and propertyowners would find it to their advantage to support a fire brigade, because it would reduce the insurance rates if proper appliances were provided. One gift of a dozen buckets was promised, and doubtless similar voluntary assistance would be given once the brigade was started. Excepting uniforms and axes he thought £6O or £7O would give them a start. Mr Moore said it was very likely that the Insurance Company which he represented would give a small hand machine for the use of the brigade. • Mr Flynn said it was time something was done towards the formation of a brigade. If such an institution existed at the last fire a good dea 1 of property might have been saved. The same might occur at any moment, and the result be disastrous. He would therefore move, That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable a brigade should be formed in Opunake. Seconded by Mr J. W. Brame, and carried. Mr Elgar then proposed, That all those desirous of becoming active members should give in their names. Seconded by Mr J. Flynn, and carried. Fifteen members enrolled, and next Thursday eveniug was fixed for the meeting of the newly-formed brigade to adopt rules, elect officers, &e. The customary compliment to the chair terminated a very successful meeting.