Morning journal and courier., 1881-10-12
Board of Fire Commissioners.

Special NIeeting-An Increase of Pay
 for Permanent Members of the Force
 Recommended COnsiderfng the Estt-
 mates for Next Year.
 A special meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was held last evening All the members of the Board were present except Commissioner Baldwin. His Honor Mayor Robertson presided.
 The chief engineer was ordered to issue an order for fall parade he to select 8 day for the same.
 The petition for an increase of pay of per manent men of the force was then taken up and considered.
 Engineer Sanger, of steamer No. ?, ap- peared in support of the petition. It was his opinion that the permanent men of the de- pertinent did not get adequate compensation The salaries were reduced some time since and at time when they were reduced ln other departments Since that time the cost of living had increased, and while the pay Tn other departments had been increased that ot the permanent firemen has remained station ary.
 Philip Flood, driver Hose 1, stated that the permanent men were obliged to live near the engine houses, and were often obliged to pay high rents in consequence; they also had to buy their own uniforms, and they were on duty the entire twenty-fo hours of cath day. He thought. in view of all the faces, that the pay should be increased. Wilbur A. Peck, stoker of steamer 3, said that it appeared to his class in the depart ment that they had never got sufficient pay and that they should be put on an equal in this regard with the drivers. He said 1t was not the hard work they had to do, but the constant confinement. They could not leave their posts except to take their meals with out the consent of the Chief. Engineer Sawyer said he had to pay more rent than was necessary for his family in order to get a residence near the engine house. He was now paying $20 per month, whereas he formerly paid $12 and $15. The cost of living was also increased, and where as they now had to pay at least $27 for uni form, they could get citizens suit for half the money.
 After hearing this committee the board went into executive session.
 At this session the Chief made statement, saying that he signed the petition because he thought in justice that the pay of the perma- nent men should be increased, and he did not object to an increase of his own pay, all though he did not insist upon it.
 The whole matter was then discussed at some length, and the following changes in salaries were voted:
 Chief Engineer, iron. $2 200 to S2 800 Fire Marshal, from. -..---..-- 200 to 1,500 Superintendent of Fire Alarm (no
 Assistags ehangtS' Superintendent of Fire 0OO
 Alarm. from. 300 to 1000 Assistant engineers tno change).... POO Engineers of steamers. from. 300 to 1,080 Extra engineer and stoker. 960 Steamer drivers, stokers, hose drivers,
 tiller men and harness makers (aQ
 uniform prices1 - -................. 75O
 The entire increase in pay will amount to $2,740 per year, and, if granted by the Board of Finance in the estimates, will not take effect till the next fiscal year. After this matter was settled the board partially considered their estimates for the coming fiscal year, and then adjourned. Fair Haven. The erection of the new brewery is being