PACIFIC COAST AND CANADIAN NEWS.

PACIFIC COAST AND CANADIAN NEWS.

Special correspondence of FTRE AND, WATER ENGINEERING.

Chief Carlisle, of Vancouver, B. C., returned from a visit to Eastern cities in the interest of the better equipment and government of the fire department over which he has been head for a number of years. His recommendations to the city council of the metropolis of the Province cover the purchase of automobile engines and various other additions which will improve the efficiency of the largest fire department in the fast growing city on the shores of Burrard Inlet.—Victoria, B. C., the capital city of the Province, is dicussing and voting down byelaws for the improvement of the water service. Two hvelaws were put before the people, and both were defeated with a substantial majority. The question of water for domestic purposes is paramount, despite the fact that the fire service lacks proper pressure. The city is apparently awaiting a visitation of fire before awakening to the necessity of installing the necessary waterworks.— Nelson, B. C., has passed the record for freedom from fires of any description. During six months the fire losses were nil. The record for eight mohths shows $310 losses, in three fires. The frK'dom from serious conflagrations is ascribed to the supervision and prevention of the causes of fire and the up-to-date methods for the prevention of incipient fires. Considering the size of the city. Nelson is better protected than any other locality in the West. The firemen arc paid; chemical engines and combined apparatus are drawn by horsepower; the Ganiewell fire alarm system is installed; and the water pressure in the business districts averages 120 lbs., supplied from a double service.—A proposition is on foot to organise a British Columbia association comprising chiefs, assistants, captains and representatives from the men in every fire department. A meeting for the purpose of organising will he held during 1907, and the idea is promulatcd of each department preparing papers and installing a circulating library.—Your correspondent received the following self-explanatory communication: “Your absence from the first annual meeting of the Western Canadian Firemen's association called by Chief E. G. Wiswell, of Brandon. Manon July 31. 1906. and August t. 1906, was a source of regret, and it is felt that you, as well as ourselves, were losers by this fact. A very strong association has been formed, and we are anxious to enroll you as a member, and. since you found it impossible to he present, we have arranged to print a supplementary list in our annual report containing the names of all who send in the fee. stating that they were unavoidably detained away. In future years this will he a source of pleasure to know that your fire department was enrolled at the first meeting of this association. We will also mail you a printed journal of proceedings, and a badge, thereby giving you nearly all the benefits of having been present with us. The fee is onlv $5. and entitles you to all the benefits of our “Question Box.” and all the advantages of membership in our association. Will you kindly write me at once so that we need not delay printing the journal.” (Sd.) J. C. V. MENLOW. Secretary".—An investigation is in progress in Vancouver, B. C.. into the handling of a fire which occurred in One of the mills during the absence of Chief Carlisle. The chief was visiting the Eastern cities when the fire occurred, which occasioned a loss of $150,000.