Fire Brigade Holds Annual Meeting

Chronicle (Levin), 4 June 1949, Page 2

Fire Brigade Holds Annual Meeting

The thirty-first annual meeting of the Otaki Volunteer Fire Brigade was held recently, .Superintendent C. Sharp presiding over a fuil attendance of members. The secretary, Mr. O. B. Nilsson, presented the annual reporU and financial statement, which revealed that the brigade continues to progress. Thirty-one musters had been held throughout the year, including seven calls to fires, luckiiy all minor ones. The brigade remains at full strength, the messenger having been appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Fireman €. V. Pike, on account of poor health, after completion of 25 years' service. Members paid tribute to the excellent record of Fireman Rke and he was elected a life member of the brigade. A unique event during the year was the presentation of Gold Stars to two members, Firemen Pike and J. CL Snowdon, who had each completed a quarter of a centufy ' as volunteer flre-fighters. The attendance throughout the year was again-very satisfactory, 17 out.of 19 being the average num-' ber present at roll calls. - Vlsits to and from neighbouring brigades had been the means of retaining valuable contacts, and friendly billiards and snooker itournaments played were considered a very worthwhile social adjunct. Honorary members had been present at several of these functions, and the brigade appreeiated the assistance forthcoming from this source. Deputy Superintendent S. W. Harvey submitted a very ccmprehensive report of the Easter con- ' ference he had attended as delegate. The brigade views with alarm the 7ack of adequate fire escapes on several prominent buildings in its

area, and during the commg year will continue to make advances to the powers that be to have these grave risks minimised. Officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows:— Superintendent: Mr. C. Sharp; deputy: Mr. S. W. Harvey; foreman: Mr. E. N. Taylor;' junior foreman: Mr. j F. J. Edwards; secretary-treasurer: |Mr. O. B. Ni.sson; first branchman: ' Mr. J. Snowdon; second: Mr. R. Taucher; motorman: Mr. M. L. Larsen. The brigade recofded its appreciation of the co-operation extend ed by the " Otaki Fire Board, and appreciation ... Of the cfforts, sbeirig. made to have :equipment' " and uniforms . brought up to date f ollowing a^period when, in common with many other organisations, restrictions had hampered eft'orts in this direction. Members expressed regret at the indispositibn of a respected friend and guide in ex-Supei'intendent H. Cockrell, and Superintendent Sharp agreed to convey the brigade's sincere good wishes to Mr. Cockrell.