, 1866-07-06

think it but right, where it can conscientiously
be done, to give testimony also on the other
side, and as publicly to speak in their favor.
This it is in my power to do in as much as the
premises on which [ reside, as we'll as those of
my immediate neighbors, were, on the morning
OF the LIST instant, | may almost say snatched
from the flames by the judicious and Jealous
e%xertlons of the people, assisting the Brand
Corps, wh0se apparatus aCere found to be IN per-
feet order, and to work with as great effect as
could possibly be expected from them. All
who were present ana could comprehend the
critical position of the fire in its close proximity
to, and bearings upon, the intlammabEe buildings
around it, will bear me out in saying that had
one engine failed us in the hour Of need-or had
there been the slightest lukewarmness on the
part of the people, leading to the least relaxa-
ton in their exertions, destruction must have
been spread far and wide through our Town,
and many have been left houseless and home
less. We I'VE our safety, under GODS prOvl-
dence, to these two ~things-the admirable
spirit of our people Of all classes, and the
praiseworthy condition Of our fire engines and
other apparatus. My conviction on this poiut
is so positive that | deem it my duty to give
testimony to it in the most public manner, and
in the same manner, to return my most CRATE
y IA"hho w II alIu OOIpO VI lN'NNNj
and to the people of all classes who so nobly
aided them, for their e|xertions and sympathy.
Where all behaved so well, it would be wrong
to individualize any. My thanks are due, and
are given to ALL for their promptitude, activity,
and zeal.
OF course, however, [ would not be under
stood as intimating that our fire department is
perfect in its organization or equipment. |
simply mean that the most was made by the
Brand Corps and the people of the instruments
at their cOmmand-and that these were in q
condition to be made the most of. My heart is
too full of gratitude to be inclined to criticism,
but, as a matter of duty, | would make a few
practical suggestions, which may be valuable
or not, but which, / am sure, will not be taken
in i'll part by any. We need new engines of far
greater power and volume than those now in
use. Our hooks should be differently con-
structed-at present the wooden handles enter
the iron socket so near to the extremity of the
hook that as soon as it is thrust into the fire,
and becomes heated, the handle chars and
breaks off, and the destruction Of the nipple
ment is inevitable. The Fire Brigade, and its
Officers, should have some uniform, or distin-
gushing badge, easily put on, by which they
may readily recognise one another, and work in
concert under the orders of their officers. At
present no such concerted action, which is most
essential, s%exists, or can exist, and the conse-
quence is, that much energy and labor is spent
u~selessly for want of proper direction and con-
centration. And lastly, one or two of the en-
gines at least should be kept at the Police Of
flee where men are always on guard, and where
they would be more accessible than at the
Depot. Indeed the engines should if possible
be kept at different positions in the Town, so
as not to be very distant from any part of it.
1t is pleasing to add that the Military fully
sustained their part in the efforts to stay the
work of destruction-and are fully included in
our offer of thanks.
One word, Mr.. Editor, in praise of the hon
esty, and orderly conduct Of our people, and l
will conclude. Their behaviour in these res
poets too, was beyond all praise-and I feel
almost as grateful to be able to say this, as l
do for their deliverance from the imminent
peril which beset us.
| am, Mr.. Editor,
YOur Ohedinnt Sprvant