The Committee have named the several papers in the order of their respective dates, but do not propose discussing them in that connexion. Indeed the whole subject naturally divides itself into two branches,—the improvement of the Fire Department, and an additional supply of Water.
In reference to the Fire Department, the first topic the Committee had under consideration, and indeed, as far as they were capable of judging, the principal defect of the Department, was the admitted want of Firemen. The whole number of regular efficient Firemen, in the city, does not exceed one hundred, whereas, in the opinion of this Committee, there ought to be, at least, four hundred. Less than that number will not suffice for the proper working of the Engines. It then becomes a question whether the present Engine Company should be enlarged, or a new Company formed, with a different set of duties. The Committee incline to the latter view.
If the business of the Union Engine Company were confined, solely, or chiefly, to the charge of the Engines, the Hose, and the Gear,—as, indeed, it should be,—it is the opinion of the most experienced Firemen, that the present Union Engine Company is strong enough for that purpose; all that is required, is a Company of able-bodied men to assist in working the Engines, after they are brought to the scene of action. Without any doubt, such a Company could be raised in the city; but a difficulty arose, as to the question of compensation. The Union Engine Company, as is well known, receive compensation by the remission of road money, and exemption from certain civic duties. A similar rule is followed in other cities, and in some—such as Boston, for instance—Firemen receive a direct remuneration in money.—In the last named city, in the year 1851, the amount paid for services of Firemen alone, without reference to any other expense of the Fire Department, exceeded fifteen thousand pounds,—a sum greater, in fact, than the whole revenue of our city. The pay of ordinary members of the Fire Companies in Boston, is one hundred dollars per annum, for each man.
It is obvious, that we cannot venture to imitate such liberality as that. Neither is it to be forgotten, that the payment of three or four hundred men, either by remission of taxes, or by wages in money, would withdraw just so much, from our available resources. Take, for instance, the lowest sum proposed for direct payment—that is, ten dollars, a year, for each man. Three hundred men, at ten dollars each, will make £750; a sum which looks small, in comparison with the munificence of Boston; yet still, a very large sum for us. On the other hand, it has been urged, that any sum that we could afford to pay, would be really no consideration to any man above the condition of a pauper, and would fail to attract those whose co-operation it is most desirable to secure. If the respectable classes—the merchants, tradesmen, householders, and above all, the young men, natives or residents, of the city, would look at this matter in its proper light, there would be no necessity for the offering of any inducement, beyond what would be suggested by public duty, and mutual protection. In former times, there were Fire Companies in Halifax, and efficient ones too, based upon such principles; then why not reorganize such Companies? The Committee are convinced, it would be doing great injustice to the members of the Union Engine Company, to suppose, that they give their zealous and valuable services from no higher motive, than for the sake of the paltry privileges allowed them.
The time may come, when the population and wealth of the city may warrant other arrangements, but in the meantime, and for some time to come, the Committee believe we must trust largely to voluntary exertion. It is, therefore, recommended, that a Company, or Companies, of not less than 50 able-bodied men, be raised in each of the six wards of the city, to be organized into one or more brigades, for the purpose of assisting at Fires, by working the Engines; and that the duty of organizing said Companies, in all 300 men, be left in the hands of the Firewards. The Committee have much pleasure in adding, that the Chairman of Firewards, D. Murray, Esq., has entered warmly into the project, and has undertaken, with the aid of his fellow-citizens, to carry it out.
The Committee cannot dismiss this part of the subject without some reference to the Military and Naval Departments. On behalf of the citizens, the Committee acknowledge with gratitude, the exertions of Her Majesty’s Soldiers and Sailors, at Fires, in times past; but it is not to be denied, that the presence and active assistance, of so large a force of disciplined men, on such occasions, has led to a most culpable supineness, on the part of the inhabitants generally.
This state of affairs is not creditable, and has not unfrequently served to promote feelings of jealousy and irritation, which it is hoped, the formation of the proposed Company, will in future, have a tendency to prevent. At the same time, it is gratifying to perceive that the General Commanding has freely tendered the use of the Troops, in future, at Fires,—provided, the proper application be made for their services.
Upon the suggestion of the Firewards, the Committee recommend, that His Worship, the Mayor, or the Chairman of Firewards, may have power to make application to the General Commanding, for the use of the Troops at Fires; and that, in the absence of His Worship the Mayor, any two Aldermen; or in the absence of the Chairman of Firewards, any two Firewards, shall have the same power.
The question of Steam Fire Engines next engaged the attention of the Committee. These machines, it appears, are coming into extensive use in other places. They have been successfully introduced into the Fire Departments of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, and other cities in the United States. In Boston, there are several, which are said to be working very satisfactorily. The Mayor of Boston states that, they are gradually taken the place of the common Hand-engines, and that, in consequence of their introduction, he hopes next year, to be able to reduce the expense of the Fire Department, some 20 or 30 thousand dollars.