PUKEKOHE FIRE BRIGADE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 458, 18 March 1919, Page 4

PUKEKOHE FIRE BRIGADE

(To the Editor.) Sib,- I would like to make an appeal to the Pukekohe public per the medium of your columns on behalf of the local Fire Brigade. They are holding a picture night at the Premier Hall on Tuesday, the 25 th inst. in aid of their funds ; the whole of the procoeds going for that purpose after deducting Mr Coady's bare expenses. There seems to be some misunderstanding in the minds of the public in regard to the Brigade which appears to have prevented them patronising any effort the Brigade has made in the past; and I can only think that the reason is the public do not know that these appeals are necessary. > It is true that the Council provide all the equipment the Biigade possess but they require more than this. The Brigade is purely voluntary with the exception of 2s 6d per man per hour while actually engaged in suppressing fires. At other times the men work 'oluntarily and they have to devote a lot of time attending meetings once a week, practising, and keep* ing the gear clean and in good order. They are subject to fines and penalties if they absent themselves without a good reason. These fines are inflicted and paid by the men out of their own pockets. They have competitions at which trophies are given and often through the apathy of tho public the men have to make up the cost out of their own pockets. They would often like to attend meetings and competitions in other districts but are prevented owing to want of funds. These visits help to stimulate interest in the work of the Brigade and procure efficiency. In order to keep the men together and to relieve the monotony of their work small social gatherings arft held. The public ought not to grudge them these few forms of amusements when at any time, day or night, tho Brigade are ready to risk their lives to help us to save our property. The Brigade is working in your interests, not their own. Roll up and give them a bumper house. They deserve it.—Yours etc., A. B. BARTER Chaiman Fire Brigade Committee.