THE GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1153, 21 September 1882, Page 2

THE GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

The Gisborne Fire Brigade met last evening at the shed for practice at the usual hour. They at once proceeded to the well at the back of Messrs Large and Townley’s premises, Gladstone Road. The engine used was the smallest manual. This was her first trial, and proved very satisfactory, seeing that with a | nozzle the water was thrown clean over Messrs Large and Townley’s extensive buildings. This, we may state, is the same engine that one of our City Fathers remembers working thirty years ago, and when the Gisborne Fire Brigade asked for a vote of money to repair it, the learned Councillor said that it was only fit for firewood. If the same gentleman had been perched on the top of Messrs Large and Townley’s building last evening he would have discovered his mistake, and most certainly would have altered his opinion. We really think that the Brigade deserve great credit for the perseverance they have displayed in keeping together in the face of so many difficulties. They have received little or no support, and instead of suitable clothing being provided they are obliged to use their own good clothes, which have been more or less damaged at the various practices. It must also be remembered that the members receive no pay, so that they are certainly entitled to a great deal of consideration and praise for their worthy efforts. We are informed that although the steam fire engine works very satisfactory now, she will be of little or no service until tanks have been placed in the different thoroughfares. Suppose a fire broke out in Childers Road it would simply be an absurhity to take the steam fire-engine out, as it would be utterly useless. In view of the approaching hot weather it behoves the Borough Council to look to this matter, and they will' find that placing tanks at intervals in the main thoroughfares will be cheaper than purchasing a very long length of hose.