OPEN COLUMN.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1310, 15 October 1883, Page 2

OPEN COLUMN.

Our columns are open to the disrwsion of all matters of public interest, but we are in no way identified loith the views of our correspondents.

FIXE PROTECTION.

(To the Editor Inangahua Times.)

SIR, — In view of the approaching summer season, and calling to mind the distressing annoyance, not to say danger, that occurred during the past year through the proximity of bush fires, would it be out of place to ask you a few questions regarding the prevention of a like disaster. Firstly, nave ihe police taken any steps towards preventing bush fires by properly cautioning people, (boys especially), from setting the bush on tire, or from clearing land by burning off the timber in a careless manner. Secondly, is the Reefton Fire Brigade in an efficient state to cope with a strong lire, in the not unlikely event of its coming within the boundary of the town 1 ? Has it (the brigade) had a practise since the last bush fire that threatened the town ? ow many working mem ocrs does it contain ? and have any practical attempts been made to supply the brigade with a fresh supply of tyose, as on the occasion before mentioned, the supply was proved to be totally inadequate. It is known that the captain did apply to Government for monetary aid, in view of the services rendered by the brigade, by saving, or rather helping to save, the Government offices during the last bush n're, but it is not known whether the aid promised was supplied, and if supplied, has the money been expended in purchasing new hose, or is that very requisite article still lacking ? By ventilating these matters you will greatly benefit the community, as not only do bush tires endanger private property in the town, but they also devastate the bush, destroying; a vast amount of valuable timber, which article I may here state, the County is not to rich in. Trusting that I do not too much intrude on your valuable space,

I am etc., Ebile

Reefton, 6th October, 1883.