Fire Brigade Reviews Past Year's Activity

Chronicle (Levin), 4 February 1948, Page 3

Fire Brigade Reviews Past Year's Activity

The annual meeting of the Shannon Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in the fire station on Monday night presided over by Superintendent C. G. Wishart. There was a full attendance of brigadesmen. the Mayor (Mr. D. A. Fitzgerald) , and Cr. R. S. Downes were also present. The secretary, Mr. G .McEwen, in reviewing the year's activity stated that the be'ginhing of 1947 saw the brigade commence with a full staff and a satisfactory financial balance. This was a eredit to each and every niember of the brigade and showed that all had worked very hard in close harmony. The year 1947 saw a great improvement in the brigade's equipment as, in March, an offer had been made to the local borough council of an up-to-date fire engine. The cost of this- machine was, however, far beyond the means of the council or the brigade and some method had to be arranged to raise funds to purchase the engine. At a public meeting it was ultimately deci'ded to hold a queen carnival. Committees were set up and the brigadesmen and the public generally worked very hard and gave of their time and money most generously. On the final night, when -the result was announced, all were surprised and thrilled to learn that over £1175 had beeen raised. The brigade thanks all who assisted in the raising of the money. Other fire fighting equipment, which the brigade urgently needed, has also been purchased and this, together with an excellent band of firemen, is constantly at the disposal of the district". The amiual dance was held and was once again an outstanding success. The brigade was fortunate in being able to have Mr- M. H. Oram, M.P. present at the dance to make the presentations of long service medals and tronhies.

It was pointed out that the brigade had meglected to carry out regular practice parades during the year, but this was excusable to a great extent as brigadesmen were kept busy both with the carnival and later with the alterations to the fire station. The latter work has been carried out in spare time by firemen and the work '•will be completed within a short time. It is expected that during the coming year regular = practices will be held at leaSft. i^aice^fe^nthly^O { . . Regret was .expressdd at the'bri-.. gade's l'oss ofi.Fireinan B: Ubulter,'who has left this dilsJtrict'.-^Firem^n Coulter .had always- beeh ,'a . willihg worker and a keen membefi of the brigade. Fireman I. .Seaton joined the brigade last year : • and already has showii prdmise ast beirig an excellent brigadesman. RegUlar duty. at the locai picture theatre has been carried out and brigadesmen are to be complimented on the efficient manner in which this duty has been carried out. The brigade's social activities have not been neglected and games of billiards and snooker have been played with Mangaore, Otaki and Foxton and most enjoyable evenings have resulted. The annual Christmas fete was conducted this .year and Father Christmas arrived, by the fire, engine, to the homes of all brigadesmen and each child was given a small gift. Thanks are due to Firemen F. Clough and I. Seaton for the part they played in this resnect.

Concluding his report, Mr. McEwen extended the sincere thanks of the brigade to the .willing band of women who do so much to assist with all of the brigade's social activities. Special thanks was extended to Mrs. E. L. Hyde for the interest she has always shown in the working of the brigade and for her thoughtfulness at Christmas time. 'Thanks of the brigade are also extended to Mr. T. S. Downes for his assistance in auditing the brigade's books. Superintendent C. G. Wishart, stated that he wished the opportunity of extending his sincere thanks to all members of the brigade for the excellent manner in which they had co-operated over the past year. Mr. Wishart then went on to enlarge on the equipment position and said that it was hoped that extra new hose could be obtained in the near future. This hose is already on order. Chemical extinguishers are also on order and should be arriving shortly. Mr. Wishart also extended thanks to the borough council fdr their support and interest in the activities of the brigade. The Mayor extended congratulations to the brigade on their year's activity and wished them every success. The election of officers for the forthcoming year resulted as fcllows: — Superintendent: Mr. C. D. Gyde* deputy-superintendent: Mr. c' Tremewan; foreman: Mr. K. Clough; chairman : Mr. G. McEwen; secretary: Mr. I. Seaton. Following the business of the .meeting aN delightful supper was handed round. Mr. R. S. Downes thanked the brigade on behalf of the visitors.