FACTS AND FIGURES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 150, 22 April 1940, Page 5

FACTS AND FIGURES

FIRE BRIGADE SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS MUTUAL APPRECIATION OF BOARD AND BRIGADE An interesting report covering the year's working, was submitted to the Whakatane Fire Board by the Superintendent of the Brigade} Mr F. H. Stewart. It was the third annual report. Superintendent Stewart recorded that there had been only seven calls on the services of the Brigade throughout the year. Five of these wcie to scrub fires, one was to a bitumen fire, and the other was to the King Street Hall outbreak. The estimated loss of property caused by these fires covered by insurance, was £420 12s, and uninsured £300.

The Brigade's attendance was good, the total number of marks possible for a full complement it> 830. The marks gained and allotted were 7-15 present, 45 leave, and 40 absent.

"Hillcrest, which is in tlic Borough, lias fourteen houses built or building and 1 feel that it is time owners were afforded some measure of protection from fire." Superintendent Stewart then dealt with the new alarm system and referred to the visit to Petone of; a competition team. He reported also that Firemen Fogarty, Steffert and Head had left the Brigade for active service overseas. Dealing more particularly with the work of the Brigade, the Superintendent said that weekly practises were held and these created a high standard of work. Discipline was good. An efficiency cup had been donated by Mr Patterson to create keenness. In addition to those mentioned as serving overseas, other enlistments had been those of Firemen Parry and Coe and there was every indication of more men leavThc Brigade's strength at present was three officers, secretary and 13 firemen.

Discussing the hose at present in commission, Superintendent Stewart said that 550 feet was in fair condition, 400 feet was good, and 400 feet was new. Total length was 1350 fceti. The report dealt with such matters as condition of the Fire Tender, benzine and oil consumption, necessity for an additional Foam extinguisher, inspections made of buildings, advisability of the purchase of further hose. "I have carried out a systematic inspection of fire plugs," ran the Superintendent's report, "and Mr Henderson has co-operated with me to a great extent,, in his, capacity as Borough Foreman. However, I would like to suggest that a Borough em<( ployee be sent round periodically to attend to plugs covered by road work, storms, etc. "I would like to express my thanks to officers and men of the Brigade for their co-operation and interest taken throughout the year. I would also like to express, on behalf of my Brigade, its appreciation of the support and interest shown by the Fire

Board. "We should place on record the appreciation of the Board of the enthusiasm and work of the Brigade," said Mr F. B. Cutler, at the conclusion of the meeting. Mr Cutler said further that it was most gratifying for the Board to see the enthusiasm of the Brigade and he moved that a letter be sent to the Brigade conveying those sentiments. In seconding the Mr Wilson said he would like to congratulate the Superintendent on the efficiency of the Brigade under him. Mr Cumming and the Chairman added similar expressions.