FIRE BRIGADE NOTES

Taihape Daily Times, 14 March 1919, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADE NOTES

(By Hydrant.)

Captain Reid, of the local Fire Brigade, returned on Wednesday night after attending the United Fire Brigade Association Conference at Invercargill, there being representatives from i 47 brigades from the different towns of New Zeland. One of the main remits brought forward was that the Government subsidise all volunteer brigades, as no rates, etc., arc paid by the Government, but they expect to receive the services of of all the brigades whenever called on. Mr Hanan. Minister for Education, and Messrs Thompson and Statham. M.Ps, were also present, and spoke at the conference, assuring the Fire Brigades of their sympathy and co-oper-ation in getting the Government tt) assist in the direction required. The Marton Volunteer Piro Brigade have handed in their resignation in a body to the Borough Council, their grievance being that they cannot get sufficient subsidy from the Council to carry on. They consider that £4O a year is not sufficient when the capital value is £500,000. This~brigade has been in existence for 40 years, and they still have to run with the old reel in the same old way. They contend that a motor appliance is ne'-' ecssary to enable them to do their work efficiently, and if they do not receive more support they will “pull out” on Friday. The business people recognise the justice of their demands, and have persuaded the brigade to carry on until they can organise and assist them.

Apparently the* Marten Brigade cannot be as enthusiastic as our local brigade, who are making a Big effort to get a inotor reel, not by striking, but by subscriptions. Although they arc protecting property to the capital value of £375,000 and receive only £3O subsidy from the Council annually. It is hoped the business people will realise the value of these men’s services, and subscribe liberally towards (the mot'or reel fund, and all subscriptions will bo acknowledged through the columns of this paper.