THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1012, 21 March 1883, Page 2

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sm,—Kindly allow me through the medium of your valuable paper to make a few remarks in reference to our local Fire Brigade and the able manner in which they worked at the late fire. I think,-sir, that their services are not appreciated as they should be, and it will only be when too late, and a serious fire occurs, that the public, Borough Council, and Insurance Company will give more suppoit to this company. Being an old fireman myself I know the difficulties they have to contend with, land with the small appliances at command. I must certainly say they did splendid work at the late fire. I think that an amount of censure is due to those of the public who ran off, and would not assist in getting the engine on the ground. All who can should assist and help the brigade, and give the men a chance, so that when they get to a fire they are fit for work, and not knocked up. It is hard and dirty work for men who get no pay for it, and the quick manner in which the brigade got their plant on the ground and at work, show that the men know their duty. When they' broke up and shifted to the other well, 600 feet away, it shows that although water is scarce in Patea, it can be brought a long distance if necessary. Certainly there was a little confusion, but, as the chief officers were away, this is excusable. And I think that when the Captain arrived and saw there was no danger, he acted quite rifhl in knocking the men off. He is undoubtedly a good man, and quite suited for the office of captain, as he appears well up to his duty; He has some good men under him. lam glad to see the men are making an effort to get helmets, which wll put them into some sort of uniform, and I think it would be a generous act of the Borough Council to vote them a donation of at least £25 for other uniforms. They require another manual engine, so that they could work from No. 1 into a canvass tank, from that with No. 2to the fire ; this would enable x them to bring water a long distance, orJ-W have two jets at a fire if water was plentiful. I think those who have stuck to the brigade from its commencement deserve great credit for the manner in which they have conducted itj considering the little support they have had. I will make a few more remarks another time, thanking you for inserting this letter, and hoping you will assist the brigade all you cn (for they deserve it) through the press.—Yours, &c., ; Ax Old Fireman.