UNIQUE FIRE SERVICE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 65, 15 June 1942, Page 5

UNIQUE FIRE SERVICE

DAIRY COMPANY'S BRIGADE EXISTENCE AGAIN ENDORSED The Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company is to be congratulated 1 on the enterprise of its directors which some years ago dictated the formation of a Fire Brigade, for the express purpose of safeguarding the company's- buildings and pl'ant. The Brigade which is affiliated to the Unitedi Fire Brigades Association, is ai voluntary one and has achieved a high standard of efficiency. Its existence is not as widely known as it might be, but Ed'gecumbe residents' have more than: once had cause to be thankful for its services. Its creation was fostered by Mr Ward and brought to the notice of the directors. Mr W. R. Boon who was a member of the Directorate at that time, and was himself ex-Super-intendent of the Whakatane Brigade of many years standing gave the project the utmost support. As a re-< suit a Hudson truck was converted and made into a very serviceable fire reel. It was equipped with booster pump and fire fighting effects while steps were taken to install a water service and hydrant throughout the factory. The Brigade has performed yeoman service in the past, at one time ef-» fccting a good save when fire broke out in the large building in which the company's trucks were garaged and again when the boiler room took fire. Practice is carried out regularly in the men's own time and there is every indication that the same splendid spirit of service which makes Fire Brigades unique in this era of unionism and overtime pay, is fully alive at Edgecumbe.