The Fire Underwriters Association, and the Masterton Borough Council.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2925, 15 June 1888, Page 2

The Fire Underwriters Association, and the Masterton Borough Council.

The following is a copy of the letter sent by order of the Council to the Secretary of the Wellington Fire Underwriters Association

Sir I have the honor, by direction of the Masterton Borough Council, to reply to your letter of 18th May re time taken to get the steam fire engine at work at iires as follows The information supplied you as to the time taken is incorrect. The time as reported by the Secrotary to the Brigade varies from nine to fourteen minutes, from the lighting of the fire to the pumping. The fire is started directly the engine is run out of tho shed, which is only a very few minutes after the alarm is given. Whenever a fire has occurred in Masterton since the steam lire engine has been here the adjoining buildings have been saved, and this, in a wooden township, is a proof of ability to cope with a fire.

It is questionable whether more could be done even in a large city, lam to point out that the Council procured the steam fire engine with a view to a reduction of fire risks, and that a heavy annual expenditure is incurred —over £2OO a year—for firo preventive purposes. It is soarcely necessary io remind you that the ratepayers have to furnish the funds in addition to payment of the already high rate of premiums. The Council have also adopted building regulations of a strigent nature, all having a tendency to check the speed of fire, such as the compulsory erection of brick party walls, &c, I?i addition to the Municipal Brigade there is an efficient Volunteer Brigade and a night-watch-man maintained by voluntary contribations. When the Council took over the Fire Brigade with its assets and liabilities, included in the former was a debt of £2O owing by your Association for money paid to pumpers at certain fires, This amount is still standing to your debit, and if paid would be utilised by the council in more fire appliances, With reference to keeping a gas jet under the boiler of the engine, I may inform you that it is at least doubtful whether the saving of time would be commensurate with the expense of carrying your proposal out, What is considered of more importance is the quick handling of the engine and haulage to the scene of a fire, and when this is provided for the other matter might be considered. The present Brigade building requires altering to furnish accommodation for a oustodian or liightwatchman, and an asphalte floor under the engine, &c., with stable accommodation adjoining the building. Plans have been prepared for the work, cost about including many improvements, but funds aye iiq(, forthcoming, Where it is found that tho people

and their representatives on the local governing body are taxing themselves heavily to preserve property _ from destruction by lire, your Association, should extend encouragement instcifc of a threat of further burdens, a™ the Council believe that now these matters have been explained so fully you will be only too ready to render substantial assistance, and I am to ask what you are prepared to do in . this direction, The Council will be happy with your pecuniary help to have any suggestions for mutual protective measures. Re fire on 6th inst, the time from first alarm to pumping by steamer, taken by two independent persons, was 14$ minutes, and the fire was more than half a mile fronv- the station. ' -• \|

I have, etc., R, Brown, Town Clerk.

To H. W. Lyon, Esq., Sec. Fire Underwriters' Assn., Wellington.