Evening journal., 1916-01-05
WEDNESDAY JAN. 5. 1916
Wu,MINCTON AND ITS FIRE SERVICE.


IN discussing the questions that have arisen between
i the Water Department and the Fire Department
relative 10 the in which the Massey store
ire was handled. Edgar NJ Hoopes Jrr city engineer
made one remark that to the very heart Of the
controversy and that should serve chart for the
guidance everyone who has anything to do with the
investigation that is 10 be made.
'Ihe matter is too serious to be made the sub
ject Of a controversy between the Water Depart
ment and the Fire Department" Mr. Hopes said
"If the investigation is possess any value whatever
It must be impartial"
We recommend that that thought be kept upper
most in mind at all times If good results are to be
obtained it will b the seed that will produce them
Reduced TO plain English, the duties Of the Water
Department those of the Fire Department in event
of hro are clearly understandable.
Il is the duty OF the Water Department to provide
all tho water needed when Il is needed and at suita
bic pressure
II is the duty of the Fire Department to get its ap-
paratus TO the scene OF the fire within reasonable
time: TO have It in proper working order when it ar
riyes to couple to the plugs quickly, properly and
without confusion or duplication OF effort and to pour
the water on the fire. with intelligent regard for sal
wage until it has been extinguished.
NJ at the fire in question, the supply OF water was
inadequate and the pressure low that, with the
Are engines working properly and handled efficiently,
adequate streams could be obtained then whatever
fault that existed would lay clearly at the door OF the
Water Department
H. on the other hand the water supply and pressure
as delivered the plugs 60 the required stan
dard and IT, from those points the fire equipment fail
ed to take up that supply and to augment that pressure
as Il should have done; II there lack of speed in
getting TO the nre: confusion and duplication Of effort
in making plug connections and lack OF intelligence in
handling the streams supplied. then whatever fault
that existed would lay the door Of the Fire Depart
ment
In the eyes OF the public the questions involved and
the things at stake are too big to be permitted 10
linger in the domain OF departmental Quibbling.
II the hre service of the Water Department be in
Efficient regularly or periodically the public has q
right TO know it and it should supply the money and
the men needed TO make the service efficient
If the service Of the Fire Departmnt be inefficient in
any particular suitable steps should be taken TO raise
It to that of efficiency that makes for the safety
of human life and property.
II there be deficiencies in both departments, OF Il
the fire alarm system which is under the control o
the Police Department corrective steps should be takei
in all three departments
The matter is not one that should be approached ii
the heat OF blood or with departmental jealousy sit
ting enthroned as the arbter in the proceedings un
dertaken Cold blood a hearty desire to do tie bes
thing possible for the community disposition TO wor
in harmony TO produce desired results no matte
whether the reforms needed be in the Water Depart
ment the Fire Department or the Police Department
are the things called for in this emergency
No city department is perfect AT its best It oni
approximates perfection. In the matter at issue II
questions involved are largely technical, although
must be admitted that to certain extent, the huma
element enters into them.
An investigation honestly intelligenty and harmon
ously conducted should reveal the things needed
ALI departments to guard our people against the fl
menace No investigation that is not so based shou
be undertaken It would be dangerous cover-u
and do more harm than good