The Third Chapei Division was on the scene within two minutes of the alarm, but the others at first ded ed to respond because the salaried employees had not received their vay from the Governmental authorities. who have refused to permit them.to collect a tax for thie pur-and Unpaid Salaries pose as they they had done in the past, In fact, the Government has failed to pay the mechanics, drivers, te, and they have even not paid to meet gasolene expenses. The Third Division, composed of responsible young 'Cantonese, have had 'Subscribe money among themselves. for the purchase of a pump. We are told that there is a possibility of the firemen going on strike and of the. various stations closing. their doors if the Government further' refuses to take action in this matter. This statement, of course, refers to the paid employees and not to the volunteer firemen.
Nevertheless, with their limited apparatus, the Chapei Brigade set to work in fighting the flames, which by this time had reached a furious stage, fanned as they were by a very strong northerly wind, and they did everything possible in the circumstances. Finding they were unable to cope with the outbreak, calls. were sent to the Shanghai Municipal Fire Brigade for assist: ance, and, in than three minutes, the Central and Hongkew Divisions, under the personal command of Captain J. G. Dyson, were on the spot. The Nantao Brigade arrived a short time later,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.