The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1921-07-23

At a joint meeting of the flremen
with the mayor and councilmen at
the transfer office Friday n1sht
resolution calling for the appoint
ment of a committee of the formec
to meet with like committee OF the
latter to enter into and investigate
purchase of modern fire truck Tor
the City of Moscow was adopted;
ventilations of all wants at the varl-
Gus fire stations called attention to
grievances: the necessity for hose
was thoroughly threshed out, and the
situation aired for amelloratlon ana
the placing of Moscow IN the front
rank by modern fire equipment and
modern methods. The meeting was
an enthusiastic one, the feature being
the harmony that was restored pc
tween the fire department and city
hall.
Carl Smith, chief of the fire de-
partment, opened up the meeting, ana
said that four years ago promise
was made to the fire companies that
modern fire truck would be pur-
chased The promise had not been
kept and dissatisfaction had resulted.
He had been between two fires as
councilman and chief and 1t was hard
to keep the boys together. Not all
the firemen were active. The for
mer council was responsible. Since
the last fire on Main street complaints
had increased. The meeting had been
called to engender better feeling
He called on the mayor to open dis
cussion on the situation
Mayor Melgard said the flremen
were entitled to what had been asked
of the past council They served un-
selfishly and the present council was
in favor of proceeding as far as 1t
could financially CO. But there were
expenses of light and water and
other improvements that showed
where a deficit was created. But the
matter of a new truck could be plac-
ed on next years budget. 1t would
take about three years to pay for 1T.
The council had 5000 for new hose
and was doing what it could to over
come the situation. Taxes were go
ing up in spite of the desire for
economy. He urged that the request
be deferred until next year.
After Councilman Kane had asked
the chief for figures on the probable
cost and had been told the truck
would cost $4,000, it was shown that
under the present conditions the
chemical compasy would try to beat
the hose to a fire and vice versa and
that separate companies were abso-
lutely requisite Chief Smith said
sentiment should be expressed and
without sentiment the fire depart
ment ciuld not exist. He showed
how the organization had dwindled
in numbers.
Foreman W. F. Zumhoff of No. 2
was of the opinion that the council
should give definite answer at this
meeting. He urged that committee
be appointed Mayor Melgard said
the truck could be purchased by
three year budget system and have
$500 set aside each year. Smith said
it would take six months for truck
company to make a delivery. Fore
man Barge of No. 1, said the practice
of 'budgeting OUT appropriations for
firemen was pernicious and should be
wiped out. A discussion ensued on
imperfect hose and the fact that if
the area at the recent fires had been
longer the present hose would not
stretch.
Chief Smith suggested that as the
$4,000 set aside each year. Smith said
only used at times that the same be
transferred to No. 1, and that the 300
feet belonging to No. 1 go to No. 5
company Councilmen Thompson and
Kane approved of the purchase of a
fire truck and the mayor called at
tention to a request from the univer-