FIRE BOARD.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18404, 10 June 1925, Page 14

FIRE BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting, of the ChristchurA Five- 80-ird was held last night. Present: TTcssrs A. Williams (chairman), J. R. Cameron, H. K. Itushridgc, K. Bo'cinson, G. D. Mcl.raith, A. W. Ford, E. H. Andrew. ' ' The chairman said the plant ana brigade had now reached a- stage which should inspire the public with pride. He regretted thit two valued member?, Messrs H. Holland and P. xi. Harris, had retired. The Board had endeavoured to bring the staff and plant up to a standard required for the recenMy enlarged city. There were now 154 Btreet alarms established throughout the city. The service had bec.a conducts with economy, as the following comparisons of estimates for the past five years would show:—l92l: AuciVand £17,000; Dur.edin, £11,500; Christchurch, £9,630. 1522: Auckland, £18,300; Dunedin, £13,500: Chriatchurch, £14,100. 1923: Auckland, £16,300; Dunedin, £13,500-' Christchurch, £12,100. 1924: Auckland, £IR,TOO; Dunedin, £13,500; Christchurch, £12,100. 1925: Auckland, £18,400; Dunedin, £13,500; Christchurch, £13.000. Average for past five vears: Auckland £17,300; Dunedin £13,100; Christchurch, £12,190. ' The Board could regard that as a very satisfactory state of affairs, especially., in view of the fact that the Board had to" take over the estimates of y*.e cut Woolston i'ire Board. He desired to thank the members of the Board, the secretary and the superintendent for the help extended to him during the past year. He trusted that the Christchurch fire-fighting plant would continue' in its present high ?tate of efficiency. Mr Williams was re-elected chairman for the coming year, and Mr Cameron wus elected deputy-chairman. The chairman, the deputy-chairman, and Mr Busbridgo were appointed an executive and Finance Committee. The thanks of the Board wore recorded to the two retiring members, Messrs H. Holland and P. H. Harris, for the services they had rendered during their terms of office. The Christchurch City Council invited the Board to appoint a representative on the Public Utilities Committee. The superintendent was appointed to represent the Board. A letter was received from the Town Clerk asking if the Board were taking steps to have the Jav amended regarding fire_escapes. The matter,was referred to flic executive to investigate, the position and report. The superintendent reported that 23 calls were received during the past month: seven false alarms (4 malicious), 2 rubbish fires, one. chimney fire, one tar fire, and twelve actual fires. The estimated fire loss was £857, insurances £2475, value of property affected £4175.