The same Committee had considered the report of the Captain of the Fire Brigade on the two recent fires, together with an account for loss of work by members of the Brigade in attendance at the fires and damage to clothing.

It was agreed to pass on the report to the Council, with the following recommendations : —

1. That the Committee think it advisable that the names of civilians who rendered assistance at the two fires should be mentioned in the report;
2. That the membership of the Brigade be reduced to six, and that such six members should reside as near as possible to the police station;
3. That overalls be purchased for the use of the Brigade;
4. That arrangements be made with a view to having the fire appliances removed to the Court House buildings;
5. That on an outbreak of fire, an alarm be telephoned to the police station from the nearest private telephone;
6. That in the event of an outbreak of fire occurring over half a mile from the Fire Brigade Station, the Brigade be authorised to engage a conveyance;
7. As to the bill for loss of time, it was agreed that members of the Brigade be asked to meet the Committee with a view to settling the necessary particulars;
8. It was further agreed to recommend that a retaining fee of £1 per annum be paid to each member of the Brigade; that a sum of £2 be paid at each fire for members who render assistance, the sum to be divided amongst the Brigade at their own discretion.

Mr. T. Fletcher entered into a lengthy explanation of the recommendations, and remarked with reference to centralising the fire appliances at the police station, that there was somebody always on duty there day and night, and if a fire happened during the night anyone could telephone there, and the police would be ready to handle the hose.

They would have to negotiate with the County Council with reference to whether it was possible to utilise the space under the Court House, otherwise they would have to build a place near.

As to the conveyance, in case of a fire taking place at Hopkinstown it was necessary, as it was stated that by the time the Brigade had dragged the hose reel there, they were not in a fit state to combat the flames. With regard to the question of uniform, it was thought they would not be satisfactory, owing to delay after an alarm, and it was suggested overalls should be purchased and kept at the station. Then, if the members of the Brigade were out in their evening clothes, they could slip these on and save dirt damaging their clothes, although they could not prevent getting wet.

He moved the adoption of the report. Mr. J. Harries seconded, and said some civilians gave great assistance at the Nantmelyn fire by running for the fire appliances and helping to get them to the scene. He thought the proposed changes would be more satisfactory, and give the Brigade a better status than in the past.

The Vice-chairman said the Committee had met the Brigade on many occasions, and then when their recommendations were brought before the Council, they had all been cut to pieces. He thought it would be better if the Fire Brigade met the whole Council, and then it could be decided what could be done for them.

The Clerk then read the Captain of the Brigade’s report on the two fires, and the accounts shewed a total of £11 10s. for the Bettws fire, and £1 5s. for Nantmelyn.

Mr. W. N. Jones supported the recommendation very strongly, but with regard to making the police station the centre, he thought they would agree to a suggestion that the words “or some other convenient spot” should be inserted. They might find another spot close to which would be equally convenient and suitable.

With regard to the Fire Brigade, unless they gave the Roads Committee full power to settle with them, it would be better to adopt Mr. Shaw’s suggestion. It would be very much better if they met and spent an evening discussing the whole thing. This was a very important matter, because they did not know how soon an even larger fire might occur, although they hoped not.

In the interests of the ratepayers and the public they ought to settle this once and for all. After further discussion, the report was agreed to, subject to the suggestions made, and a special meeting was fixed for Tuesday evening, 18th July.