Mr Bates, in moving the resolution, said the purchase of a steamer had been on the Labour programme for years, but the matter had been put off on account of the want of water. Now they were within measurable distance of a good supply of water he thought they ought to get the steamer. They were told that when they got the new supply there would be sufficient pressure in the pipes without an engine, but he doubted it. A manual engine was

All Very Well For Rushden

years ago, but in recent years many important buildings had been erected and conditions had greatly altered. At Wellingborough they had a greater pressure in their mains than in any surrounding place, and yet they were going for a steam engine. In Rushden, within a few years, it was estimated that nearly £200,000 had been lost by fire. The cost of a steamer in work was only about 2/6d an hour as against £1/11/0 per hour for a manual. The manual would not pump with effect through more than 500ft of hose, whilst a steamer would pump through 3000ft even to a great elevation.

Mr Bazeley seconded the motion, and said the town had one of the most attractive and convenient fire-stations in the county - a station they were proud of. They had every convenience for a steamer, which he believed to be an necessity. It would take some little time to get an engine and it was time the matter was put in hand. He understood the manual engine was purchased about 30 years ago, and the firemen were practically unable to cope with a fire with it. When there was a fire

The Greatest Suffering

fell on the workers, who had to depend on charity, and charity was very cold at such times. He considered that a steam engine was necessary, because the absence of adequate provision for dealing with a fire might mean loss of life.

Mr Skinner asked what the steamer would cost the town per year.

Mr Bazeley: About £50.

Mr Claridge thought they should be guided in a matter of that kind by the feeling of the members of the Brigade. Personally he did not see any need for hurry, seeing that they had not the water yet.

Mr Knight said he was rather sorry that the motion had not been deferred until after they got the new water supply. The Council had always given the Brigade what they asked for. In six months' time they would know what their water pressure was and if it was not sufficient he was sure every member of the Council would be only too ready to purchase a steam engine. The reason he himself had not pressed the matter forward was that the water supply had not been sufficient. He knew nothing more tantalising than to have an up-to-date engine and not have sufficient water.

Mr Denton said if it could be shown that a steamer was necessary he would be one of the first to agree to the proposal, but he was afraid nine-tenths of the steamer would be for show and

One-Tenth For Utility.
Mr Knight said the matter had been gone into thoroughly by the Brigade, who had, he believed, made up their minds as to what was required. No time, therefore, need be lost after the water was available.

Mr Denton thought if they had a steamer the insurance companies ought to contribute, as it was for their benefit. He himself believed in municipal insurance.

Mr Ballard did not think there could be two opinions as to the superiority of a steam engine over a manual. At the same time, he thought that the water pressure should tested before they committed themselves to the outlay. If the steamer was needed when they got the water, let them have the best they could get. The working classes, he agreed, suffered terribly from a fire.

Mr Swindall believed that when they had the pressure in the pipes they would need the steamer as much as ever. If they decided to purchase an engine, they would not be obliged to have it before next April, and the first payment would then come out of next year's estimates.

Mr Bazeley read an extract from a report showing the

Great Value

of a steam engine at an actual fire. He hoped they would not have a fire but believed they should be prepared for emergencies. He quite agreed with Mr Denton that the insuranace companies ought to contribute to the cost of the engine or reduce their premiums.

Mr Dobbs said he stated on Monday that he was in favour of the purchase of a steam fire engine, and they had had the voice of the ratepayers on the matter, through the election of himself to the Council.

The Chairman thought they were almost taking a leap in the dark if they bought an engine without testing the water pressure.

Mr Bazeley was surprised that Mr Denton was not converted, because surely a steamer would be required if a fire took place at his factory.

Mr Denton said he was much obliged to Mr Bazeley for mentioning that, because it showed that he was not actuated by any personal motive in his opposition. He believed that for a place like Rushden a manual engine was more suitable than a steamer.

Mr Knight moved that the matter be deferred till the pressure in the mains could be tested, with the idea that if the pressure was not sufficient immediate steps would be taken to obtain a steamer.

Mr Ballard seconded the amendment, which was carried by six votes to five. The majority included Messrs Clipson, Knight, Claridge, Denton, Skinner, and Ballard. The minority included Messrs Swindall, Mantle, Bates, Dobbs, and Bazeley. Mr Hornsby did not vote.