PUBLIC MEETING AT GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1948, 26 September 1889, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT GERALDINE.

A public meeting was held in the Town Beard office, Geraldine, on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of considering the advisability or otherwise of forming a fire brigade for Geraldine. There was a fair number present, including no less than six insurance agents. Mr W. S. Maslin occupied the chair, and read the advertisement calling the meeting. He pointed out that a brigade was badly needed at Geraldine. That town and Waimate had been loaded by the insurance association with an additional 25 percent on the fire premiums, owing to there being no means of coping with a fire. The association had been corresponded with, and had replied that an application for a reduction of the rates would probably be favorably considered if an efficient brigade was formed. The Town Board had now got a good supply of water for the town, and all that was needed were the funds to establish a good brigade so as to use the water. He was convinced the saving to the ratepayers, if the 25 per cent reduction were made, would be fully £159 per annum, A rate of Is in the £ gave about £IBO, so that the extra loading was almost equal to a rate of Is in the £ per year. The brigade would be under the control of the. Town Board. Several gentlemen had signified their intention of paying over to the brigade their savings for insurance for one year. He thought, however, that it would be better to strike a general rate than to rely on voluntary contributions. By doing so the burden would fall upon all, whereas, otherwise, many who would receive equal advantages would not contribute anything. The Town Board had the power to levy a rate of Is, and apply the proceeds as far as they thought well to the purchase of an engine and other appliances. Mr Pearpoint would have liked to have seen a very much larger attendance, as it was a question that interested every person in the town. If >■ they could get a brigade it was to their interests to encourage that brigade, He thought some steps should be taken to form a brigade. The Town Board bad gone to a deal of trouble and expense to get the water, and all that was wanted now was a brigade so as to get the 25 per cent off the insurance. He thought the amount saved to the ratepayers would be nearer £2OO. It would not make much difference to him personally, but he would be willing to give the difference for a year or two for the sake of seeing the brigade in the town. (Hear, bear). He thought the best plan would be to form a committee to get all particulars as to forming a brigade, and report to another meeting later on. Mr Maslin again said he thought a rate would be preferable to voluntary contributions. Mr Pearpoint said many, of the ratepayers were considerably interested, and they should not hesitate to their hands deeply into thoir pockets and subscribe towards the funds. Some ratepayers would save £l6 or £l7 per year on their insurance. Mr Mundell wn in favor of a rate as the fairest way of raising funds to .i form the brigade", and if any additional Aum were required everyone would .see that it was to their interest to contribute as much as possible. The extra 25 per cent, paid to the insur-

ance companies went out of the town, whereas if it was taken off it would be kept in the town. The saving would be £2OO per year, and that was a good sum to be kept in the place. He considered that if the ratepayers did not go hand in hand now that the water was obtained and form a fire brigade they would be very foolish. He would be in favor of the meeting instructing any committee formed to recommend the board to strike a rate for the purpose of providing funds te form a fire brigade. Mr White was certainly in favor of striking a rate for the purpose in preference to voluntary contributions. If they struck a rate of Id in the £ they would get the Government subsidy upon the same, which would augment it by something like £4siMr Pearpoint here proposed, Mr Mundell seconded, and it was carried unanimously—“ That a fire brigade he formed.”

' Mr Pearpoint moved, and Mr Stonehouse seconded —“ That it be a recommendation to the Geraldine Town Board that a rate adequate to provide for the purchase of a fire engine and other apparatus towards the formation of a fire brigade be struck at the earliest opportunity.” Carried unanimously. Mr Pearpoint also suggested that a committee be formed to work up details with a view to forming a brigade. Mr Dunlop pointed out that both the Timaru and Temuka brigades had fire engines for sale. The chairman pointed out that the committee, if formed, could ascertain those details.

The following committee was then formed, with power to add to their number, to prepare details and particulars re forming a fire brigade, and report to a meeting to be held at the Town Board office at an early date, viz..-—R. H. Pearpoint, <H. H. Patrick, R. Morrison, W. Stoneheuse, and W. G. Sherratt; A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.