The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919 FIRE BRIGADE EQUIPMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 February 1919, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919 FIRE BRIGADE EQUIPMENT.

(With which iB incorporated The Tsihape Port and Walcsattao News).

A report of a meeting of the Tuiliapc Fire Brigade, in which it is stated that the meeting decided, by resolution, that a motor car suitable for the brigade’s work should be purchased, has directed attention to the pristine methods forced hpon our firefighters, particularly in cases of fire any appreciable distance from the brigade station. To see two or three men in uniform trotting along dragging a hose-reel takes most people back nearly a quarter of a century. Towns about the size of Taihape at that time could not acquire motor cars, but they had their, steam fire engines to which the hose reel was linked up, which left the men fresh and fit for work when the scene of the fire was reached. It has been matter for wonder that something more speedy and humane than making donkeys or beasts of burden of the brigadesmen has not come into vogue in this town, but, apparently, some improvement is now to be instituted judging from the brigade's decision to get a motor ear. This will certainly make the brigade much more efficient, for every intelligent spectator of fires knows that it is usually the first quarter of an hour that decides the whole issue, whether the fire or the brigade is to bo victorious. It seems that the announcement of the intention to purchase a motor car by the most efficient and earnest body of voluntary workers any town can have, -who receive no,pay for their work, 'should attract some publife attention, if only to wonder and enquire from whence the money comes. There are businessmen w r ho generously support the brigade’s efforts, but it becomes the duty of every householder, on such a special expenditure as a motor car involves, to see that the brigadesmen are not left to bo personally responsible) or at least to assist in removing any worry they might be caused by monetary difficulties fn connection therewith. The report states that about sixty pounds have been collected towards the ear fund, and as twice that sum is required t something more than, importuning 'the same old generous givers should be resorted to. There are hundreds of people that would assist with their shillings and halfcrowns if some entertainment were offered. There have been no patriotic or other entertainments for some considerable time and if the brigade w'Ould enlist the sympathy of a successful entertainment promoter, such as Mr Peyton, they would raise enough money to to pay for their urgently needed Car and have something to spare towards more perfect equipment, for it goes without saying that not an individual citizen would refuse to contribute by purchasing a ticket for admission to such an entertainment regardless of whether it was convenient to be present. It is only just that the money required for so special and necessary a purpose should be clolected from a? wide a field of contributors as possible. and while it is not practicable to wait upon everyone for the mite they could afford, it is a simple matter to call them together by offering an enjoyable entertainment, or a little excitement out of the ordinary humdrum. We venture to speak for the Taihape people on this occasion and •promise a patronage that the brigade in every way merits. The minds of the firemen should be put at ease about the motor, car debt -at the earliest possible moment and we hope that Mr Peyton will take the hint.