CO129-129 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [1-3] — Page 541

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534

the efforts of

ready

and practical working of

tire

reliance can

be placed

om

Engines.

often

grow weary

2. I endeavoured to enlist the support

of the many

Insurance Companies here interested in preservation of property from

that in this

fire, but I regret to say prespect I was disappointed. I have found, Thowever; on the other hand

a

very strong

fdisposition amongst the Chinese portion

1

of the Community to promote the effects of

the Executive, and the

Merchants have

the leading

agreed

Chinese

to subscribe for

the purchase of a powerful Steam Fire

Engine, and also to aid by lending Coolies lor the transport and working of the Engine.

3. I consider that comparatively little

mere volunteers, who too of attending to any reqular

ink some nature, and are

brought under a

duties

not

of

an

easily cxp

discipline sufficiently

exact to make their attendance reliable,

or their exertions, when they do attend, beneficial as they might otherwise be.

4. Therefore, although gladly accepting any

which may

be

volunteer

assistance

tendered, I propose to form a Brigade

principally out of such Police Force

men in the

special

exhibit some

aptitude for the work and also of the

be induced to serve

bhinese who

may

emplayers. It may

with permission of their employers-

be necesary hereafter to provide these men