Sessional_Paper_1887-1888 — Page 188

and used exclusively for adding new lengths when required, instead of as formerly having recourse to the engines when additional lengths were wanted, and lastly the practice of indiscriminately cutting down wood work has been entirely abandoned. No wood work can now be cut down without the order of an officer, and such an order is seldom required. In the opinion of many the spread of the great fire in 1878 was largely due to the immense destruction of wood work on that occasion, the streets in some places being blocked with shutters and broken timbers which at one and the same time impeded the movements of the Brigade, and served as a bridge for the flames.

With regard to the spread of fires they are occasioned by the beams and rafters of the roof of the house on fire being in contact with those of the adjoining houses, and in many cases protected from access by the ceiling below; also by the falling of lighted matter through the smoke holes of neighbouring houses, and again by projecting verandahs which probably contain inflammable articles. Heat alone is often sufficient to ignite either the opposite houses, or anything near that is capable of catching fire. A double brick-wall is however absolute protection to the extent of the space covered by it. The clothes stands on roofs though invariably igniting have not so far as my experience goes been a principal cause of fires spreading. They consist only of upright and horizontal bars, with hollow spaces between them, and do not readily burn.

The accompanying report from Mr. BREWER will show the state of the engines at the present time. They have worked well throughout the year, and have been carefully tended by Mr. BREWER, the Engineer, and Mr. WAGNER, the Assistant Engineer.

There is great need of another floating engine. The present floating engine lies at Yaumáti, and is not immediately available for service on this side. Also when a fire occurs anywhere on the other side or in the harbour, there is no launch at the disposal of the Brigade for taking the men to these places. What is required is a floating engine similar to that now in use, and capable of trans- porting men to different parts of the Island. At present if the existing floating engine breaks down, there is nothing able to take its place, and considering the vast shipping interests in the harbour, and the valuable property located at Yaumáti, the Naval Yard, Kowloon, and Hunghom, one floating engine is not enough. The nature of the country on the other side does not admit of the transport of land engines, and the only practicable method of dealing with fires there is by floating engines. I trust therefore that His Excellency will give this matter his favourable consideration and will sanction the purchase or construction of another floating engine.

Also I think the European element of the Brigade should be further increased. Men who before were available for fire duties have now to attend to engines, and considering the growth of the town I do not think an increase of ten men would be by any means out of place. We are always hampered by want of men, some being in Hospital and some on Police duty, and at the initiatory stages of a fire the want of a sufficient European complement is much felt, as it is on them that the Superintendent has mainly to rely to see that his general system of organisation is properly carried out. Police firemen are not allowed to leave their beat to go to a fire, so that the nominal strength of the European element is reduced by one half at the outset, and to this must be added absence from sickness and other causes. On the other hand I think the Chinese element might be largely reduced. With an increased European element, I think we might easily dispense with a sufficient number of Chinese to balance the additional expense in the increased European element, so that the change could be accomplished without further cost to the Brigade.

The

I will conclude this report with a return of fires and alarms of fires during the past year. origins assigned to the different fires given in the schedule must be accepted with reservation, and are not to be taken as authoritative.

I have only to add that the Brigade has enjoyed the hearty co-operation of the officers and men, throughout the year, who have all worked well under the exceptional strain that has from time to time been put upon them.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

H. E. WODEHOUSE, Superintendent, Fire Brigade.

The Honourable F. STEWART, LL.D.,

Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

ge..

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