Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-01-25
FIRE MATTERS
To BE TAKEN UP
Reorganization of So. Amboy
Fire Companies viii Likely
be Taken Up by Council.
sy special Correspondent.

sy Special Correspondent.
SOUTH AMBOY. Jan. S5-The
regular meeting of the common
council will be held tonight. There
are several matters of Importance to
come before that body tonight. In
business session Friday night a del
egation from the fire department
waited on them and urged immedl-
ate action in the reorganization OF
the fire companies or putting the
present companies on an ethclent
basis.
In a communication to- the coun-
eli the chief recently recommended
that the personnel Of the companies
he cut SO per cent. He pointed out
that this would eliminate a great
deal of the "deadwood" and at the
same time effect a great saving TO
the city in the way of finances. In
view of the fact that there is a bill
now pending in the legislature in
creasing the yearly compensation OF
ms firemen from $12 to SIS the lat
Ter recommendation bears addition
al weight The recommendation OF
the reduced number of men is meet
ing some opposition, however. n
the matter will be a difficult one Tor
the council to settle and satisfy all
concerned.
In his first annual message to the
council Mayor Scully laid special
stress on the fire department. II will
be recalled that he said. Second
only 10 the police department stands
the branch of our government de-
voted to preventing and checking the
spread of fire. Not only IN thesas-
surance of security but also in the
cost of Insurance against fire. a live,
competent and well equipped fire de-
partment is a valuable asset. 1t is
the councils duty TO provide the
apparatus and equipment, the alarm
system and srehopses for the pro-
{ s.ion of the appliances and COM
fort and convenience of the fire.
men.
ITO everyone with a sense of civic
pride there comes a pang of shame
when reference is made to the fire.
house on Broadway. As a sample
of public property this building is a
disgrace. and while conditions may
not have been opportune 10 build.
surely there can be no justification
for permitting the building to pre-
maturely decay for want of paint,
TO become the prey of the elements
for lack of doors and windows. That
the firemen have seen fit to remain
patient under the circumstances is
a marvel in repression.
An early and thorough survey of
the entire department. its member
ship. apparatus. appliances and
equipment would seem TO be a press
ing need. The fire committee, the
chief of the department. and such
representatives from the existing fire
companies as may be proper, should
meet and arrange 10 organize and
equip a hose company in the Max
Vile section so that greater protec-
ton may be afforded that locality.
I would further counsel the estab-
lishment or more intimate relations
between the city council and the
fire cammiueeEon the one hand and
the respective fire companies on the
other. Without this intimacy it is
impossible to promptly and properly
decide the problems of the depart
ment, its needs or the measure of
perfection 1t a~ttains.
Some steps may DE taken at the
meeting tonight to follow out the
mayors recommendation.
Another matter that Is taking a
great deal of time and attention Is
the Bordentown avenue improve
ment. The new grade on that street
leaves several houses in a hole. In
order 10 meet the new grade they
have elevated their houses several
feet. These properly owners are
nov making demands for financial
assistance from the council. A COM
mittee of these property owners met
with the council Friday night.