Harbour Duties to be Under Customs Unit Having nearly completed the quisite period of intensive training since the arrival of their Chief Fire Omcer, Mr. German, some time ago, the Harbour Fire Brigade has now announced that they will be teking over all duties in connection with fires on the Whangpoo River, and riparian properties, within Shanghai Harbour limits, as from October 1 next.
The new Brigade, which is under the direct administration of. the Chinese Maritime Customs, has been In process of formation for a considerable time. With the acquiring of the fre-float Poochi, the equipment wai brought up to a standard where was considered that all duties might be taken over from Shanghai Fire Brigade. Since th time unfit now, however, it has be the duty "of the Shanghai Fire Brigade to man the Pooch! and the other Customs fire-float, the Huning, whenever called on to' do so. With the arrival of Mr. German, some, months ago, the training of personnel for the new Brigade was undertaken. A group of men was selected, and put through a stiff course of instruction with the Shanghai Fire Brigade. These men will be ready for work by October 1, the date on which it Is proposed to fort the Brigade functioning.
While the Shanghai Fire Brigade will, without doubt, be called on for assistance in the event of fires of unusual severity, the new Brigade anticipates being quite capable of handling the vast bulk of the work in connection with fires on board ships, or in properties along the waterfront, which will come" under their jurisdiction.
Under the Chief Fire OMeor, Mr. German, will be a large staff of Chinese firemen under the order of foreign officers. The whole Brigade will belong to. the Harbour Master's de-
We are not making baseless criticisms or uttering general insults, he was quoted as saying, "We are seeking {0 show who are the people who are deriving the most. benepls from the administration of the SMC.
Who are the people who occupy the urgest number of seats on the Coun ceil and hold most posts In the Administration Building? Who are the members of the teaching staffs of the various SM.C. schools maintained at large expense?) And what ig the policy followed in these schools?
"Who can state that some Lorely ers, particularly Britons, are not enjoying inherited privileges? The SMC. has removed the sign 'Ta Ying Kung Pu Chu' (Great British Mun! pal Council) but who can say that actually it has not changed and ix still the Great British" Municipal Council?
"This is not a question related to the Land Regulations. The revision of the regulations will take sever% years, but this question can be settled At once with a little sincerity.
"So long as the International Setllement is an International Settle ment, the principle of the Open Door end Equality of Opportunity should bbe observed."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.