THE LATE TIMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2495, 19 March 1881, Page 2

THE LATE TIMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

A further meeting of the ex-members of the above Brigade was held last evening at the Clarendon Hotel. On the motion of Mr Barry, seconded by Mr Snodgrass, Mr T. Murray was voted to the chair.

The secretary reported that in accordance with resolutions passed at last meeting he had requested the attendance of the honorary and life members. Apologies were banded in from Messrs Priest and Edwards for non-compliance, owing to pressure of other engagements. Mr Barry reported that Mr ituscoe had returned to the keeping of the Council the two pictures which had been allocuted by vote to Messrs Waugh and Ohiffey, consequently those members had not as yet received them. Mr Kelly reported that he and Mr Waters had attended the solicitor and instructed him to stay further proceedings for the recovery of their property until after the present meeting. In reply to questions Mr Barry stated the nucleus of present library was formed fully 5$ years ago, and that throughout that term it had been generally understood that it was to be strictly the private property of the Brigade. The dress uniforms, and the small torches had also been purchased from their private funds, the ratepayers, per the Council, not having been called upon to contribute anything towards their cost. Mr Turnbull said he had been for

more than nine years a member of the Brigade, and he was very sorry that matters had come to such a pass. He was bound to admit that the Brigade had received very scant and scurvy treatment at the hands of the Council, but he was of opinion that the letter sent by the Brigade to the Council had been very badly worded and although the members understood it he was quite sure the Council did not. He thought therefore that their present action had been hasty and ill-advised and he trusted a proper compromise would be come to. He was sure none regretted the present position more than the Councillors themselves, and he could guarantee almost that if the Brigade would return to their duty they would bo warmly welcomed and all legitimate grievances redressed. He was so anxious that the Brigade should not die out in this manner that he should be only too glad to be authorised and allowed to mediate between the Council and the Brigade, to bring about an amicable settlement of the difficulty. The Chairman stated that Councillors Greenup and Gibson had themselves inspected the state of the .whole uniform, as well as Messrs Turnbull and Jackson (the Fire Inspector), and had quite admitted that it was in a disgraceful state. During the past three years they had only received one pair of boots per man, and this was only obtained by the most persistent begging. Mr Turnbull then retired.

Proposed by Mr Snodgrass, seconded by Mr Chiffey—“ That this meeting will not solicit Mr Turnbull to come to terms with the Council, but he can do so on his own responsibility if he chooses; but this Brigade 'will only return in a body, and on their just demands as to uniforms, etc., being complied with.” Proposed by Mr Barry, and seconded by Mr Collins, as an amendment—- ” That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to Mr Turnbull for his offer to mediate with the Council, but that the members cannot endorse any such action.” The amendment was carried.

On the motion of Mr Snodgrass, and seconded by Mr Dawes, it was resolved to meet again on Monday evening, to see if there was any further communication from the Council, and to give final instructions to the Committees as to the prompt recovery of their property.

After a long and desultory discussion as to the position, the meeting was adjourned until Monday next, at 8 p.m.