258
Our staff at present consists of:-
1 Superintendent.
1 Assistant Superintendent.
1
Do.
1 Clerk.
Do.
and Engineer.
1 Assistant Engineer.
2 Engine Drivers, Chinese.
3
Do.,
Europeans.
2 Assistant Engine Drivers, Europeans.
6 Stokers.
1 Overseer of Water Works.
1 Inspector of Dangerous Goods.
1 Chinese Assistant Do.,
2 Foremen.
4 Assistant Foremen. 17 Firemen, Europeans. 46 Do., Chinese.
30
Do.,
Market Coolies. 10 Chinese Contingent.
15 Watchmen.
Floating Engine.
1 Assistant Foreman and Engine Driver. 1 Chinese Engine Driver.
1 Stoker.
2 Seamen.
Since the post of second Assistant Superintendent has been abolished and the joint appointment of Assistant Superintendent and Engineer has been made, a greater responsibility has fallen on the Acting Assistant Engineer, as the Engineer in his dual capacity is frequently called away to the scene of the fire, and must leave the Engines in charge of the next in command.
Looking to the increased duties that devolve upon the Engineer and his Assistant, who now have to keep in an efficient state six steam engines and nine manuals, I consider the remuneration, which was voted at a time when there were only two steam engines, is so newhat inadequate to the increased duties and responsibilities.
At the Annual General Inspection in November last, a new feature was introduced in the form of competition at Fire drills for prizes, which acted as a stimulus to the members of the Brigades and gave them greater interest in their work; and amongst the Chinese particularly, this has resulted in bringing to the front some really valuable firemen. As an instance of the efficiency of the Brigades. I may mention that at the recent fire which occurred in Bonham Strand on a Sunday afternoon, within the space of a few minutes of the alarm being sounded, thirteen powerful jets of water were playing upon the burning houses.
At first sight our Brigade appears to be not only adequate as regards machinery, but also numerically, but when it is borne in mind that not more than half of the Europeans are available at any one fire, and that the hilly configuration of the Colony often requires two engines to do the work of one in order to reach the elevation required, it will be seen that the Brigade is under, rather than over, the necessary strength for a growing Colony like Hongkong.
The supply of water from the new Water-works (in course of construction) will materially assist in extinguishing fires in the upper levels of the Colony, and also in the early stages of all fires, if my suggestion with regard to telephonic communication is adopted. But the value of water mains must not be over-estimated, as in a case similar to that in Bonham Strand (referred to before) it would be impossible to concentrate such a body of water at any one given point from hydrants as could be obtained by steam Engines, and the superiority of salt water over fresh, for extinguishing fires is universally acknowledged.
I cannot close this report without mentioning the able assistance I have had during the past year from the Officers of the Brigade. I may specially mention Mr. WAGNER, who has been acting as Engineer and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. RAE, the chief foreman, and Mr. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Engineer. These officers have devoted a great deal of time and attention to their respective duties and the present efficiency of the Brigade is in a great measure due to their untiring exertions.
We are greatly indebted to the Captain Superintendent of Police for the excellent order kept by his force at the various fires. The systematic working of the Brigade, and absence of malicious injury to hose and larceny of Government property, is greatly owing to the vigilance of the Police.
Subjoined is a tabulated form showing the number of alarms of Fires, and estimated damage for the past year.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN S. BREWER,
Acting Superintendent Fire Brigade.
The Honourable F. STEWART, LL.D.,
Acting Colonial Secretary,
&c..
&c.,
&c.