FORMATION OF A FIRE BRIGADE. PUBLIC MEETING.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 52, 8 May 1863, Page 2

FORMATION OF A FIRE BRIGADE. PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held on Wednesday evening, in tbe new Auction Mart belonging to Messrs. Mueller and Giesow, for the purpose of organising a fire brigade. At the hour appointed there was a large attendance, and before the close of the proceedings, the meeting numbered about 300. On the motion of Mr Whitton, seconded by Mr Maning, Mr John Blacklock was called to the chair. m At the request of the Chairman, Mr Gilles read the notice oalling the meeting, which was altered from the Royal Hotel to the adjoining Auction Mart. The requisition was as follows : — " We, tbe undersigned, merchants, storekeepers, and others, hereby convene a Public Meeting, to he held on Wednesday, the Gth day of May, inst., at 7 o'clock, p.m., at the Royal Hotel, to take into consideration the desirability of forming afire brigade, and to take such other steps for carrying out tbe proposition as maybe deemed advisable." Mr Gilles was sure it was quite unnecessary to say anything as to the desirability of the measure in question. Especially as the large number who were then present at the meeting, rendered public opinion on the necessity of forming such an institution very appaparent. Mr Carey proposed «« That Mr Chapman be requested to act as Honorary Secretary," and proceeded to observe that it was very necessary to form a fire brigade here. The trifling expense incurred would be nothing compared to the great benefit conferred on the town

I ' -■I" -■ '**' "t It would pay evenjn a busbies* pom by the saving effected m-Insura-a--the first c thing necessary was to ag| honorary. Secretary ; the gentfemin. the lienor of proposing' had already considerable trouble in getting up thei -Mr Boss seconded the -motion, wh carried unanimously. Mr H. W.7 Whitton proposed tbe ne lution: — "That this meeting deem itj that a fire brigade should at once be font bringing this resolution before the met would repeat a trite observation already the Chairman, "it was very apparent td the measure was really necessary." Thel the Fire Insurance Companies here, nj greater risk, required greater premiums, 9 protection was afiorded to'all. Therefore, as much the interest even of the agentcompanies, that a fire brigade should beesti as any one else, and if something of the kj not at once done, a very small portion wealth of this place can be covered or pi Without assistance being afforded the*^ formation of afire brigade, the Compania be compelled to curtail instead of increasi business here. The attention of the wo being directed very much to this place ofl so many wooden buildings - going up , i very natural matter of inquiry as to 1 cihties existed for extinguishing fires w4) occurred. The town being subject to such gales, might render the extent of dami great Too much importance could not tached to this resolution, and he hoped thi many gentlemen present who would sho interest in the movement by coming font signing their names as volunteers for the Mr .Robertson seconded the resolution, was carried unanimously. Mr Gilles proposed, seconded by Mr IS " That the fo.lowing seven gentlemen be rt to act its a provisional committee i :■— Messri R. Mitchell, Beavan, Sutton, . Hatch, Ba the mover, with the representatives of tb ranee Companies." The names of Messrs, W. Milbank.E. Whiting, and Cuaack,^** sequently added. Mr Homer proposed the next resolution, subscriptions be opened at all the Banks! surance Offices by members of tht visional Committee, to cany but the object meeting." Seconded by Mr Carey, ana' unaniomously. Mr M'Donald proposed, "That all ge willing to volunteer for the fire brigade quested to come forward at once, and sig names." And said he supposed if thev Y hear the cry of " Fire ! " on that occasia was not one man present who would not 1 and be willing to render all the assistance I This was a cause that concerned all classe Mr Boss seconded the resolution, whi carried. About 40 or 50 parties gave in their m volunteers. A voice from the meeting having asked 1 engine was to be drawn through the streets present state ? ... The Chairman remarked, that that was on matters for the consideration ot the Com A vote of thanks to the Chairman havii passed, the meeting broke up.