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gade as a first-floor ladder. These ladders will be placed so that they can be readily
utilised in case of need by policemen or others. An intimation will be given to you
directly the ladders shall have been provided.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
C. J. STEWART,
Clerk of the Council.
The Clerk of the Vestry of Rotherhithe.
Town Hall,
Rotherhithe,
17th November, 1898.
Referring to the removal of the Fire Escape Station from Bickley Row, Rotherhithe.
to my letter to you of 24th ult., to the Memorial in support of which a Deputation from
this Vestry attended before the Fire Brigade Committee of the Council on the 3rd inst.,
and to your letter of the 7th inst., stating that the Committee has decided that consideration
of the question of again stationing a Fire Escape at the spot in question shall
be reconsidered on the completion of the new road now in course of construction between
Deptford Road Railway Station and Lady Dock Bridge, and that in the meantime instructions
have been given for providing near each of the three Fire Alarms in Rotherhithe
Street what is known as a " first-floor ladder," I have to inform you that at the last meeting
of the Yestry, I was directed to express their great regret and surprise at the action
proposed to be taken in the matter, inasmuch as it cannot possibly be held that the
provision of three first-floor ladders is an efficient and proper substitute for the escape
removed, and to point out that the use of such ladders upon the occasion of a fire may
be a source of further danger, rather than otherwise, as it is obvious that great skill and
cars must be exercised in endeavouring to effect a rescue or escape from a burning
building by means of an unprotected ladder.
That with regard to the decision to reconsider the matter in a year's time (when the
new road is finished) the Yestry cannot appreciate the utility of the delay, as when that
time arrives, the locality will be none the less an island, but rather more so, as instead
of one bridge to cross on the south side, there will be three (see plan enclosed).
Under these circumstances I am to strongly urge upon the Fire Brigade Committee to
reconsider their decision, and to fall in with the reasonable wishes of the Vestry in the
matter; and in the event of the Committee not being willing to do so, to request that a
Deputation from the Vestry may attend the next meeting of the Council, when the matter
comes up for discussion.