HUTT & PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1770, 7 June 1913, Page 6

HUTT & PETONE NEWS.

(Prom Oar Special Correspondent,)

THE CALLS 'AT FIRES. * For some timo past difficulty lias boon experienced in Tegai'd to arranging for ringing tlio fire-bell at Lower Hutt, and i firemen sometimes have difficult}" in hearing the call. At the fire brigade's meeting Inst evening Mr. N. J. Roche, borough engineer, stated that soveral improved methods had been suggested, but they woro rather expensive. Ho suggested tlmt a trial bo given next week, the public to bo notified, ajid then a good idea could bo obtained as to whether 'a -certain plan which ho had devised would bo satisfactory. Under existing conditions (continued tho engineer) after the brigade had left the station when a firo occurred, every "Tom, Dick, and Harry" took a delight in ringing tho bell. Captain Slinn said that what was really wanted was communication with tho water supply directly a firo broke out. The engineer in charge at the reservoir could not always hear tho bell, nor could many of tho firemen. Mr. liocho stated that the engineer could probably be connected by telephone. In regard to water pressure Mr. Roche added that arrangements had nowbeen made to get a good pressure in a very little time.

Mr.. Roche was accorded a vote of thanks for attending. "SOCIAL" AT PETONE. The Ladies' Guild of the Co-operative Engineers' Supply Stores (Petone branch) held a successful "social in Petono in tho Orange Hall last evening. There was a large attendance, and all present Bpent an enjoyable evening. HUTT FIRE BRIGADE. The monthly meeting of the Hutt Firo Brigade was held last evening Captain Slinn presiding. Th° Wellingfon Firo Underwriters' Association wrote stating that they would accept no liability in the matter of paying watching time at Mr.- Archer's fire, . as the building had been totally destroyed, and there was nothing to watch. The arrangements with th<SV Hutt Borough Council and the association were that the Wellington Fire Underwriters' Association is prepnred to enter into an arrangement with the council for salvage duty after fires, when damage has been clone to contents of buildings insured' by a company which is a member of the association. The letter concluded by explaining thafcths matter was out of order, and the fact that the loss of contents and building was a total' one did away with watching duty bo far as tho association was concerned. The matter was referred to the council. In reference to the proposed purchase of a motor fire-engine, Mr. Baldwin suggested (after learning that tho council would treat the matter favourably) that a public meeting be called, with a view to forming a scheme,, to Taise tho neceseary money. Some discussion took plaoo as to whether the question should bo left to the brigade executive or not. Fireman Stoupe was of the opinion that if the whole money could not be raised by the public without a subsidy from the council they did not deserve a brigade at all. Captain Slinn stated that the present system , was unfair to all members of tho brigade. Subsequently the matter was referred to the executive, and that body .decided to call a public meeting at Lower Hutt on Thursday, June 12, at tho.sjKition house. Several members wero reprimanded for boing dilatory in attending practices and meetings; Tho officers reported that the water pressure at the Camp Road fire had been unsatisfactory.

Fireman T. Fleet was presented with a three years' service certificate.

HUTT SCHOOL. A special meeting of the Lower Hutt District High School Committeo was held last evoning for the purpose of discussing the raising of funds to asphalt the school yard. A number of ladies were present, and it was resolved to organise a bazaar for tho fund. A ladies' committee was formed, and Mrs. Harmon was elected chairwoman. A further _ meeting will bo held in tho school on Friday oitemoon. BRIGADE TROPHIES. Trophies won by Hutt firemen during tho past year are to bo presented at a euchre party next. Friday week. CROQUET CLUB DAUCE. The first of a series of dances held under tlio auspices of St. Augustine's Croquet Club was held in the Schoolroom, Britannia Street, Petone, last evening. There was a largo attendance, and tho dance was most enjoyable. Musical items by Mrs. Ridge, Miss Hinemoa Wood, and Master Hill added variety to the evening's enjoyment. Tho danco music was supplied by Messrs. Hill and Simpson, and Mr. Feilding acted as master of oeremonies. Among those present were tho vicar of St. Augustine's and Mrs. Stevenson, and Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Wilford.