SHANNON FIRE BRIGADE

Chronicle (Levin), 23 January 1947, Page 3

SHANNON FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL GENERAL MllETING The annual general meeting of the Shannon Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in tlie meeting. room of the station on Monday evening. Superintendent C. G. Wishart presided over a full parade of members, Superintendent Wishart sincerely thanked all members for the loyal support which they had given over the past year. He also extended thanks to Fireman D. Richards for the efflcient manner in which he had earried out the duties of secretary, and regretted that Fireman Richards found it necessary to resign from the secretaryship. The balance sheet was presented, which showed the brigade to be in a good financial position. The election of officers was held, the following being elected for the f orthcoming year : — Superintendent: Mr. C. G. Wishart; deputysuperintendent : Mr. C. Tremewan: hon. secretary: Mr. G. McEwan;

foreman: Mr. K. Clough. In presenting his report for the year ended December 31, 1946, the retiring secretary (Fireman D. Richards) stated that the beginning of the year saw the brigade start off with a full staff and a very satisfaetory balance sheet, which was a credit to members in the way in which they had co-operated in the smooth working of the brigade. The brigade received three fire alarms during the year, one to a jgrass fire in Plimmer Terrace on | February 11, one to a railway house on the main road on March 18 and ithe third to a rubbish fire at the rear of the shopping area in Plimmer Terrace on December 20. On each occasion the brigade soon had the outbreaks ufoder control, especially the railway house, which only suffered from a little water. As a mark of appreciation the Railway Department had made 'a donation of £5 5s to the brigade. The fire fighting equipment was the same as last year, and was all in good condition. The members had conducted regular practices during the year and had cleaned the fire plugs. Brigade members had co-operated in the painting of the station and excellent results were achieved. The brigade was still in the same position as last year with regard to a drying rack, but still had hopes of obtaining one. Six new uniforms were on order and were expected to arrive at an early date. All members wouid then be uniformed. Picture duty had been earried out every picture night, and it was hoped that members wouid continue with this good work. During the year the brigade had enlisted the services of two messenger boys in Firemen W. Harding and K. Clough, and it was pleasing to see these new members taking such a keen interest in the working of the brigade.' Oii the debit side the brigade had lost two stalwart members with long service in Firemen E. Hook and N. Retter, and to them every member joined in wishing every success in the futurA The annual dance was once again a huge success, visitors being present from neighbouring brigades. Thanks were to be extended to the ladies and the wives of members who so willingly helped with the supper arrangements for the function, and also to Mr. and Mrs. L. Lincoln and Messrs. J. Curran and W. R. Clough for donations in connection with the dance. The social side of the brigade had again been very active, friendly games of snooker being played against Otaki and Mangaore and some members also visiting Levin and Marton for annual reunions,. which were greatly appreciated. The brigade had again conducted a Father Christmas drive on Christmas morning, visits being paid to members' children and each child receiving a gift. For work in this connection, thanks were due to Fireman W. Forbes and Mr. S. E. Hyde. In conclusion, the report extended the brigade's thanks to all members, their wives and those who had placed their cars at the disposal of the brigade during the year, and also to Mrs. E. L. Hyde for her donation of a Christmas parcel and free picture passes to each member, and to Mrv T. S. Downes for auditing the social fund and the brigade's books. Superintendent Wishart extended sincere thanks to Fireman Richards for his excellent report, and moved a vote of thanks, which was earried by acclamation.