PETERSFIELD.
PETERSFIELD FIRE ENGINES.
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To the EDITOR of the HAMPSHIRE TELEGRAPH
Sir,—An article appeared in last week's Telegraph headed "Petersfield," which, after giving an account of a fire at Sheet, concluded with these words:—"A gentleman who happened to be passing when the fire broke out, drove with all speed into the town, for the purpose of despatching the fire engines ; but on enquiring at the engine house, he was told by the person entrusted with the key, that both engines were out of condition, and that he did not know who to get to take them out. Surely this is a state of things which for the credit of the town ought not to exist."
Now as this is a matter of deep interest to the whole town and neighbourhood, will you oblige me with a corner of your valuable paper, in which to express my earnest hope that the above startling announcement will not be suffered to pass unheeded.
I may remark, in passing, that your correspondent (or his informant) was under a mistake respecting the present inefficiency of the fire engines, as the two larger engines are in pretty good working order, it being only the small suction engine that is out of repair. Still it must be admitted that even this ought not so to be.
My present object, however, is mainly to call attention to the absence of everything like a systematic arrangement for working the engines when required. It is very far from being my wish to cast the slightest disparagement on our worthy churchwarden, than whom I believe no man stands higher in the estimation of his fellow townsmen, and I am quite sure that had the application been made to him, in the late case, he would have used his utmost exertions to get the engines promptly to the spot, pursuant to a sort of general understanding that exists that the engines are under his care and controul. Still this does not in the slightest degree alter the fact that the town is lamentably in want of an organised and efficient Fire Brigade, for— however we may feel indebted to the Churchwarden for his willingness to do what he can in the matter, still as we place no funds at his disposal which he can legally appropriate to this particular object, I do not see how we can reasonably expect much at his hands.
And now, having thus adverted to the evil, (and I am sure no one will deny that it is an evil of a very grave character) let me say a word as to the remedy. I would suggest that a Town Meeting be called forthwith,—a committee appointed to take charge of the engines,—and a subscription set on foot to defray the necessary expenses; that such Committee should meet at certain intervals (say every two months) to inspect the engines, and, if necessary, to have them taken out and worked. By this means they might be effectually preserved in working condition, so as to be available at any moment. If this suggestion should be adopted, I, for one, shall be most willing to contribute my share of the expense, and I know of others who will readily do the same; and I cannot but feel assured that the town of Petersfield possesses a sufficient amount of public spirit to meet the case as it requires to be met, and to carry it out promptly. I remain,
Sir, Your obedient servant,
HOUSEHOLDER.
Petersfield, Sept. 7th, 1848.
Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 16 September 1848
PETERSFIELD
The suggestion respecting the Town Fire Engines contained in a letter inserted in last week's Telegraph, signed "Householder," has been warmly responded to by the inhabitants generally, and a requisition presented to the Churchwardens and Overseers to call a public meeting on the subject; to which they have acceded, and the meeting is fixed for Thursday next, at the Town-Hall.
(See also
02-Sep-1848)