Parsimony and Fire Brigades.
Page 6
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Fire brigades and their staffs seem to have become a subject for the undue wielding of the economy axe in different parts of the country. At Droitwich recently the captain and officers of the 'fire. • brigade 'resigned because of the poor pay which they were receiving and of poor equipment.. A town's meeting was called, and there were somewho had hoped that 'amotor fire 'pump would have been purchased and put in the hands of an efficient and well-paid staff of officers.
At a recent meeting of the town council, however, a recommendation that a captain be appointed at £15 a year, a vice-captain at £12, and 10 firemen at £10 each was turned. down on the ground that it meant a 2d. rate. At a later meeting information was presented showing the cost of the annual upkeep of the fire brigades in neighbouring towns. At BeNvdley, with a population of 2,000, the cost was £30 a year ; Redditch (16,000), £400; Stourport (4736), . a O. rate; Bromsgrove district (20,000), £450.