MARTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8961, 29 October 1907, Page 2

MARTON FIRE BRIGADE.

New Station RequiredAt Marron Borough Council meeting last evening tlio Fire Brigade Committee reported as follows “Your committee having inspected the Fire Brigade Station and plant wish to report that the building is in a disgraceful state, and we are lunch surprised that the health authorities have not condemned it. Wo feel certain that if something is not done at once the brigade will disband, which would certainly mean a rise in the insurance rates. Wo would, thexefoio, recommend that the Council take the necessary steps to raise a loan of, cay £SOO, for the purpose of erecting a new flic brigade station, fire alarm and the purchase of working uniforms and other plant. The Oommitto also recommended that the drying apparatus ho repaired in the meantime at a cost not to exceed £3. It would thus last for a few mouths; also that rise brigade bo allowed to place a ladder on the side of the Town Hall.”

Cr. Hilton urged that the recommendations bo given effect to. There was no question about a new station being required and Council should at once take the matter in baud. The brigade iiad not been treated fairly. A few years ago the ratepayers sanctioned a loan for a new station. , ... The Mayor; A station was built under the Opera House. Or. Hilton ; The rooms were used by play companies. 'The Mayor: I do not think so. They had plenty of room on the stage. Cr. Hilton went on to say members of the brigade, having given their services voluntarily, deserved every encouragement. It would bo a serious matter to property owners for the brigade to disband. Members should not only be supplied with a new building hut with working uniforms also. Cr. Sutcliffe thought the brigade wanted reorganising. Its position with Council was not clearly known. Or. McEldowhcy said the Fire Brigade deserved encouragement. It was a thankless billet and often entailed a good deal of work and lost time. Cr. Hilton said a halfpenny rate would pay interest on a loan. Tho Mayor thought they should take time to consider tho question. He did not like deferring such matters but they should wait until tho production of the last half-yearly balance-sheet of tho brigade. He moved that consideration ho deferred till next meeting, seconded by Cr. Sutcliffe and carried. Or. Hilton thought the Health Officer should bo asked to condemn the building. The Mayor said a building would have to he in very bad condition before it was condemned. He suggested tiie Health Inspector bo asked to report on tho building and this was agreed to.