OTAKI FIRE BOARD

Chronicle (Levin), 4 May 1946, Page 2

OTAKI FIRE BOARD

QUARTERLY MEETING The quarterly meeting of the Otaki Fire Board was held on Wedaesday night. All members were present. Accbunts totalling £50 10s Id were passed for payment,. and ihe superintehdent's report was received and adopted. It was decided that it be left to the chairoian and secretary to contact the Horowhenua Power Board and the ?. and T. Department to ascertain what arrangements could be made for giving the fire alarm during periods of electricity cut-offs. Annual Meeting The annual irieeting followed the quarterly meeting, when all mem'oers were present and also the secretary and superintendent. Mr. H. B. Edhouse was elected chairman for the ensuing year. Prior to the commencement of business, the board . members mspected the brigadesmen, and the :hairmen presented honours due, and congratulated the recipients. It was decided that two adapters be procured to enable the use of the new hose fitted with couplings. It was agreed that estimates totalling £478 19s 4d, as framed by the secretary, be submitted to the Mintster for approval. Additions and repairs were left to ihe local committee, with power to act. Mr. Clerke reported that he would be retiring from the managership of nis company in June next. Mr. Edhouse and others referred in complimentary terms to the many years of service given on the board by Mr. Clerke, included in which was a considerable period as chairman, and wished him a well-earned rest and enjoyable retirement. Superintendent's Report The superintendght (Mr. C. Sharp) gave the following quarterly and annual report: — "Twenty-six musters have been held during the year, with an average attendance of fourteen members. The average attendance at fires during the year has been eleven members. Three fires have occurred, one during the last quarter. On this occasion the alarm .was given at 3 p.m. on March 9 and the brigade proceeded to a grass fire at the Maori cemetery. With the help of many willing workers, thi^] fire was soon brought under conlilqF without any serious loss taking place. Recently a false alarm was sounded from the- post office. I understand that this was due to a new exchange attendant liot being familiar with the alarm signal. I suggest that a distinguishing sign be attached to this fitting. "The usual tests have been carried -out, and all equipment is in first class order. Personal equipment among. brigadesmen such as boots, uniforms, caps, etc., has been in use for many years, and in sorrie cases badly needs replacing. -I suggest that 2Cinch copper ferrules be procured."