In the past the Council's Brigade has attended outbreaks of fire upon certain properties on the Pootung. side of the river, but in view of the new organization the Chief Omer recommended that this practice be discontinued, With this view. the Customs authorities agreed, In reply to a question, the Chief OMicer of the Fire Brigade stated that certain plant was essential to deal with whart fires and vessels on this side of the river or in creeks. At the moment two fire floats were in commission, but it was recommended that one of these should be sold. The smaller float would be retained and. would be useful for creek fires. A staff of three, other than the fire-fighting personnel, would be necessary for the smaller float.
Replying to further questions, the Chief Ameer stated that he believed the Customs organization to be ade-nate for anything except cases of simultaneous outbreaks on the Pootung bank with some distance between, them.
Doubt having been expressed as to whether the Council should dis continue its Pootung service in the absence of an' assurance that the property holders will be content with the proposed new arrangements, it was suggested that the Council should continue the Pootung service for a short time at least, until the Customs have had an opportunity to demonstrate the adequacy of their arrangements, The Customs consider that they are competent to deal with any calls for assistance from that quarter, and they are averse to calls being.made upon the Settlement brigade for service on the Postung side of the river. Replying to a question, the Chief Oficer stated that six of the seven concerns in Pootung who contracted for the Settlement brigade's services have their own fire prevention installations.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.