The Mayor (Mr Isaac Green) occupied the chair, and there were associated with him on the platform Crs Mowat, Campbell, and Robertson.
The Chairman said that now there was a movement afoot to bring the water into the borough the time was ripe for the forming of a brigade, and with this idea a unanimous motion had been passed by the council.
He thought they should establish a volunteer fire brigade, leaving the appointment of the captain absolutely in the hands of the council.
When they took into consideration the fact that there were 947 houses, of an aggregate value of at least 189,400 in the area to be reticulated, the necessity of fire protection was evident. (Applause.)
He had received from the St. Kilda town clerk, by request, a list of the necessary apparatus, the cost of which amounted to 325 5s 2d.
In addition to this the council contributed 5 per annum towards the funds of the brigade and paid all expenses of about 60 per annum.
They had also received from the City Council the offer of a manual engine.
After a little discussion and Messrs F. Millier and H. J. Duncan had spoken supporting the movement, 17 gentlemen came forward and handed in their names as prospective members of the brigade.
• The value of irrigation for fruit-growing purposes in Central Otago was strikingly shown by a consignment of 16 cases of apples forwarded to Dunedin on Wednesday by Mr R. Dawson, of Alexandra South.
The apples were stone pippins, and they came to market in splendid condition - absolutely clean and free from the faintest suspicion of blight or orchard pests of any description - large, wholesome, and sound in every respect.
Mr Dawson is one of the few Central Otago growers who have a fair supply of water, and all his trees being young and healthy the products of his orchard come to market under favourable conditions, and show what Central Otago is capable of producing in the way of fruit.
The apples realised 4d per lb under the hammer. - ODT, 18.9.1908
