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Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1195, 21 July 1874, Page 2

Tite AVestport Volunteer Brigade, following tho example set by the brigades at Greymouth and Hokitika, have joined in a movement, originating among tho Canterbury and Otago brigades, to obtain exemption from, liability to servo as jurors. Tho claim is just and reasonable from every point of view, and should bo granted without demur. Those who, without fee or reward, voluntarily givo their services for an important public duty, entailing danger in itq exercise, and a considerable loss of time in keeping in a state of preparedness, should not be denied a boon which in granting will not be at tin; cost or incouvenienco of any other section of the community. Tnere is no reason to suppose that sut'h exemption will occasion any inconvenience in the administration of justice, for the jury lists throughout tho colony are sufficiently voluminous to permit ample choico being male outside toe names enrolled as representing members of fire brigades. On the other hand it might possibly happen that by fortuitous circumstance several members of a brigade might be engaged as jurors at tho very time of a firo breaking out, and their services in such, a critical moment would bo unavailable. The law would brook no interference with its forms and mode of procedure, notwithstanding the lo3s of property that might ensue for want of trained skill in combating tho flames. Apart from tljis tho exi emotion of brigade members from duty as jurors would tend much to increase tho strength of brigades, and popularise an association which depends to a very great extent on casual contributions to its finances. Tho petitions now about to be laid before tho Assembly should have tho willing support of the representatives of every district wherein a brigade exists.