CENTRAL FIRE STATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 136, 10 June 1903, Page 4

CENTRAL FIRE STATION.

A depdtation from the Fire Brigade waited on the Borough Council on Monday evening. Captain Bellringer explained that the Central Station required painting, etc. With regard to accommodation for the caretaker, it had been found that it was impossible to have an elderly couple there, consequently a young couple with a family required more accommodation, which he hoped would be provided, as at present the arrangemants were not satisfactory from a sanitary point of view. Moreover, the building was very damp owing to the presence of a large mound of earth, and, as auxiliaries were stationed there, it was necessary to put the building in a good state. He pointed out that the services of the Brigade were voluntary, and that, by executing the works asked for, the Council would improve its own property, and he urged that two or three more rooms should be erected and the earth shifted.

The Mayor said the matter had hia entire sympathy. He inquired what amount the Fire Insurance Companies contributed to the Brigade. Ovptain Bellringer: Nil. In fact, they look upon the Brigade as rather in their way, The Mayor hoped the time was not far distant when the Brigade would be supported compulsoriiy as it ought to be by those who benefitted by their services. He was strongly averse to the Brigade going round with the hat. He considered the request wag reasonable, and he moved that the matter be referred to the Works Committee. [ Or. Brooking suggested dealing wi> h the matter when the estimates were considered, as it involved an expenditure of £IOO. He moved in that direction. The Mayor withdrew his motion, and inquired of Captain Bellringer what he estimated the coßt. Captein Bellrioger said he thought £IOO would cover it. The motion was then carried, and the deputation, after thanking the Council, withdrew. At a later stage the sum of £IOO was added to the estimates for the work in question;