CARNIVAL FOR FIRE BRIGADE

Chronicle (Levin), 12 February 1947, Page 3

CARNIVAL FOR FIRE BRIGADE

funds for new engine At a public meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday evening it was decided that a queen carnival be held to raise funds to enable the Shannon Volunteer Fire Brigade to be equipped with a new fire engine. In outlining the reason for calling the meeting, the Mayor, Mr. R. E. Downes, stated that the time had come when the town was faced with having to provide a reliable fire engine for the local brigade. The brigade now had equipment valued at somewher.e near £1000, said the Mayor, but the engine was that obsolete that it was unable to cope with the demands made of it. The brigade had recently received an offer of a converted army vehicle released by the Government to fire brigades, and this offer. was too good to miss. The Mayor continued that the brifade had approached the council and a committee was set up by the council to meet tne brigade. The outcome of that meeting was that uhe matter should be put before the public, hence the calling of the meeting. Mr. Downes then ealled uoon Superintendent Wishart to outline the capabilities of the maehine which had been offered. In opening his remarks, Superintendent Wishart thanked the public for the interest which they had taken by attending 'the meeting in such large numbers, and hoped, with the co-oneration of those present, that the brigade could be equipped with a new engine. Mr. Wishart said that he had inspected the vehieles in Wellington. They were in exccllent order and were very satisfactqry for the work required of ihem as country fire cngines. Mr. Wishart went on to state that if the Shannon brigade had one of these machines its activities would not be confined to the borough of Shannon, but it could go out into the country. Provided there was sufficient water available the maehine would operate its pumping device and thereby the brigade could give prctection to country property, as well as that within the limils of the borough water supply. It was stated that certain legislation was pending in Parliament whcreby small brigades like Shannon would receive assistance, but it would fall to the ratepayers to provide a reliable fire' engine of modern type, This would cost the ratepayers of Shannon about £2000, ■ ^yliereas the maehine offered to the brigade cost around £600. It was, therefore, in the public's own interest to assist the brigade in its effort. The Mayor then' called for a motion and it was moved by Mr. V. J. Bateman that the meeting gq into ways and means of raising money to purchase the fire engine. On the motion of Mr. R. S. Downes it was decided that commiuees be set up to arrange a carnival. Various suggestions were offered as to what type of carnival should be held, but the motion of Mr. C. G. Wishart that a queen carnival be held seemed to mect with the approval of those present. It was then decided that thrce queens should be appointed, one to represent the town, one the country and one the Maoris. The most appropriate time to hold the carnival met with divided oninion, it being ; pointed out that the .Plunket [Society was making an appeal for Ihe Karitane Hospital. Following [a discussion it was agreed that the ! commencing date of the carnival (should be Monday, March 24, and to continue for four weeks. On the suggestion of the Mayor, jit was then decided to set up comjmittees frcm those present, with power to add. The chairmen of leach committee was then elected land those cnosen were as follows:

| — Town committee: Mr. C. G. Wishart. Country: Mr. L. Burling. jMaori: Mr. V. J. Bateman. Those j chairmen then had the opportunity I of selecting members for their committees from those present. Prior to the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed that each committee should work in close harmony and co-operate to the fullest extent in regard to the holding of functions. It was agreed that a further meeting 'should be called and this was set down for Thursday, March 13. Those present left the hall full of confidence that the sum required would be obtained, and that Shannon would have a modern fire engine in the near future.