SUBSIDIES TO FIRE BRIGADES.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 244, 20 July 1872, Page 3

SUBSIDIES TO FIRE BRIGADES.

The following remarks on this subject appeared in the Wellington Post last week : —“ An application, made yesterday by the Fire Brigades to the City Council, for grants of money, is one which will, We are sure, meet with the approbation of every ratepayer. In Christchurch, for many years, the City Council and its predecessor have subscribed liberally to the 'expense of the fire brigade, and have spent a considerable sum of money upon steam engines, which have been presented to the brigades. In other cities a similar practice has been pursued, and even here it is by no means a novelty. Some years ago it was decided that a grant of money should he given to the brigade, and we believe it was paid one year, but impecunious times arrived, and our volunteer firemen have latterly to go without the grant. The reasons which might be advanced in in favour of the Corporation giving a yearly contribution are so many, that we are really at a loss to decide which to advance now. No individual has a more direct interest in the preservation of the city from fire than the Corporation, which derives the major part of its income from rates on buildidgs within its boundary. Fifty pounds, or even twice that sum, to each brigade, would be but a small premium to pay, and it would materially assist a body of men to whom all owe much and to whom each of us nicy be indebted any day or night. We may be certain, from past experience, that the men seek no self-advancement or interest, and if a good contribution from the Corporation enables them to have a balance on the credit side of their ledger, the public will get the benefit of it, by the Brigades obtaining improved appliances for their calling.