That "Jubilee."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3140, 27 February 1889, Page 2

That "Jubilee."

TO TUE EDITOR.. Sir.—lll your issue of the 28rd inst- your stated that an inquiry should be made into the" collapse of the Municipal Fire Brigade." Now, sir, I would like to ask in what, way the _ Brigade " collapsed ?" Their action in not putting water on; the burning building has* caused a'good deal of adverse comment, but it may be argued that it was neither necessary nor desirable. The building was beyond saving before the- alarm was given, and (thanks to the bucket brigade), the .adjoining premises were in no danger. Of what-use; ■then, would it have been to. wet the hose, without the possibility of doing good? With regard to the delay caused in getting the Ju.b3oe.in working order, it will readily be admitted that "someone had blundered." It must be remembered, however, that on no previous occasions had both hose reels been called into requisition I and therefore some allowance must be made for the slight mistake which occurred through the couplings. The I Fire Inspector was of opinion that the : Jubilee, should have been taken to Albert street,; but suoh a course would have necessitated taking the reel through a -wire fence, and a garden on private grounds. There can; be. no doubt that- the Jubilee .was in .tho best possible position for obtaining water, What is required is ■ that a list of the various places where water is available for fire purposes, and their - distance from one another should be supplied to the officers of the Brigades, Until this is done, and' proper arrangements made for the immodiate use of a horse for tho Jubilee, the Municipal Brigade cannot be other than severely handicapped. Trusting those in authority will give the matter their consideration,—l am, &c, v

Hydrant. The adjoining premises were in danger, and the Albert-street wator hole was aocessibe without taking the reel through a wire fence. Two mistakes appear to have been made, the engine was taken to the ..wrong water-hole and at the critical moment it was found that the wrong couplings had been brought from ■the engine shed. Suoh mistakes oannot be excused in so serious a business as saving . property from firo,—Ed. W.D.'