Without entering into the debatable question of the desirability of two fire services in the city - one official, one volunteer - the Peterborough Express believed that it had become important to get a second steam fire engine in the city. It also pointed out that the volunteer team needed to become 'practically acquainted with the handling of a steamer'. Praising the volunteer service for their determination to raise sufficient money, it commented that they already had around £50 put aside for a steam engine. The Express also suggested that 'all citizens should show their gratitude for the Volunteer Fire Brigade by liberal donation to their fund'.

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.