scattered widely apart, and frequently away from home, whilst the men who had offered their services, were always to be found at Home, and who lived near the engine houses, both conditions of which would be great advantages in case of fire. He had no wish to be at the head of the brigade, although it was the expressed desire of the brigade that he should be. He would take care that it did not interfere with his police duties. Ald. Ginner had no wish to damp the zeal of the new brigade, nor to say a word against it. In case of a large fire, the services of the police were scarcely secondary to a fire brigade, especially in keeping off a crowd and in protecting property from pillage. Ald Ross considered it a very generous act that men should come forward and offer their services as they had done that day. The offer was accepted unanimously.
The Late Fire. At the July monthly meeting, Mr. Growse said the Water Committee wished him to report to the Board that they had made enquiry into the deficient supply of water at the late fire in Western road, and they considered Supt Glenister and Murray, the water manager had done their duty very satisfactorily, but that Muggridge, the turncock, was the worse for liquor, and he had consequently been discharged. (See page 32).
Fire Escape. At the December monthly meeting the Watch Committee recommended the purchase of a fire-escape at about £60. Coun. Bromley cordially agreed with the recommendation, and pointed out both the necessity and advantages of providing such means of saving the inmates of a house when on fire.
Rail and Railings. – On August 2nd, the Local Board consented to place a hand rail on the steps at the south corner of Wellington square, Mr. Shaddack having offered to pay half the expense. A Tender for the erection of railings on the parade opposite the Infirmary was allowed to be withdrawn under the following circumstances:- Mr. H. R. Putland had sent in a tender of £15 5s., and afterwards a letter, stating that he had discovered an item of £4 12s. had been omitted. He wished either to add that amount or to withdraw the tender. Messrs. Alderton and Shrewsbury had sent in a tender at £21 10s 6d. and this was accepted.
Mr. Frewen’s Debt. At the meeting of Oct. 4th, the Clerk said he had written to Mr. Frewen for the amount due from him to the Local Board, three months ago, but had received no reply. The debt in question was the balance of dividends Mr. Frewen had received from -
