MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1483, 14 September 1883, Page 2

MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

The following is the annual report of the Masterton Volunteer Fire Brigade : 'lhe year which has juat passed, being the fifth year which the Brigade has been in existence, hcs been one of quietnesß, and one during which the Brigade has made steady onward progress. Two serious fires have occurred since the last annual report was made; on Octobi>r 19th, 1882, about 2 a.m., fire was discovered in the Town Hall, and as the builiim; was old and dry, the flames got full pons won in a few minutes. The engines wi i got out, and work was commenced very aumi after the alarm was given, but from Ihp first it wits seen there was no hope uf sav ing the building, and this being so, every effort was directed to prevent the fire from spreading to the County offices, the Police Court, and other adjacent buildings, which were for some time in imminent danger, and this was effected, though several times the fences and outbuildings wore actually alight The Town Hall ivas completely destroyed, but much valuable adjacent property was saved by the efforts of the Brigade. During the continuance of this tiro Branchman W. Dixon was severely burnt about the hands, and was laid up some time in consequence, and the Government recognising the value of the services rendered have given him a componstion for his injuries. Tho other fire occurred on Saturday evening March 241 h, 1883. On that occasion owing to accidents to the engines, and the distance of the fire from water, the Brigade did not display tts usual prnmpiitude and success in cumbaiting thefire,and the building, which was an old one, and its contents were a total loss. Alarms on account of chimney fires have' been perhaps even more numerous lhan is usual, and have been a cautte of serious annoyance to the Brigade, nevertheless the members have turned out with commendable prompiiude, whenever tho bell has called them to duty. The properly of the Brigade has been increased during tho year. The Finance Committee have provided four ladders, which have been placed in various parts of the .town, and some hooks, and grappling irons, the want of which has been at times very rnuon felt. During the past many members have suffered loss, sometimes to rather serious extent, by damage to their clothing sustained at fires and practices, and with a view of preventing loss to the members from this cause the Finance Committee has resolved that it will recoup members sustaining damago to their clothing at fires, and has further decided to provide uniform trousers for the men immediately and bouts as soon as funds will permit, On tho whole the Brigade has been fairly supported by the public during the past year, though not to the extont which should be if a thoroughly efficient plant is to be provided, A donation of .£2O made to the Brigade by thelnsuranceCompanies has been very useful, and has enabled the Finance Committee to provide many little appliances which otherwise could not have been procured. The thanks of the Brigade are due totheEinaneeCommittee for the way in which it has provided funds for the maintenance of the Brigade; several of its members have interested themselves greatly but perhaps none more so than the honorary Secretary, Mr W. Sellar, who has been indefatigable. In conclusion the Brigade is to be heartily congratulated on the position to whioh it has now attained; year by year ils appli ances are increasing, and in oonsequenco its efficiency also; its members show by their regular and punctual attendance at practices that they are individually interested in the work; and its officers by their long service, regular attendance, and kindness to the men,'show their determination never to rest till the brigade has become thoroughly efficient in every respect. James Mtjir, Captain, Wm. M, Easihope, Hon Sec,