FIRE BOARD FOR GISBORNE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2098, 5 June 1907, Page 2

FIRE BOARD FOR GISBORNE

SANCTIONED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Cr. Miller moved at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council that, in accordance with the wishes of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, steps be taken to form a Fire Brigade Board in Gisborne under the provisions of the Fire Brigades Act, 1906. He thought they would all agree that the time had arrived when the local brigade should be given better facilities for their work, and the new Act amply met the case. With the

new water installation, better plant and gear would have to be provided and the whole concern placed on a better footing. He was pleased to mention the splendid record of the brigade for the last 25 years with poor appliances and low pressure, and it' was time their efforts were recognised. Under the Act seven members would form the Board, one appointed by the Government, three elected by the Insurance Companies and three by the Borough Council. In June of each year the Board had to submit estimates of expenditure, towards this the Colonial Treasurer would pay a sum equal to a rate of one penny on all Government buildings in the town, which would, he estimated, equal about £7O. Of tho remainder, half (equal to about’ twofifths of the total expenditure) would be paid by the Insurance Companies and half by the Council. Tho appliances became the property of the Council, and on any property which the brigade handed over to the Board the Council woidd be charged 4j per cent, rental. This latter clause did not arise in tho present case. The people who had not contributed to the brigade’s upkeep in the past, i.e., the Insurance Companies, would, if a Board w'ere formed, have to pay a fair quota. The present average expenditure on the brigade was about £250 per annum. Therefore if the Council expended £3OO a year for a better-equipped brigade, the Insurance Companies would contribute a similar amount and the Government, say, £7O.

Cr. Sheridan seconded. Apart altogether from the other arguments in favor of a Board, the brigade wanted it constituted and their views should be respected. He did not anticipate any increased cost to the Council, considering that the other contributors would cover the increased expenditure. Ho joined in paying a warm tribute of praise to the volunteer fire-fighters for their splendid work in the past.

Cr. Miller pointed out that the proposal had to be approved at a poll of ratepayers. The Board could not be constituted in any" case, within twelve months.

The Mayor was favorable. The estimate that the expenditure under a Board would be £6OO per annum was, in his opinion, over the mark, The up-keep in the past had not exceeded £2OO per annum. The figures should not be overstated as it might cause ratepayers .uneasiness.

Cr. Whinray said he would not like the old brigade “disturbed,” but on being assured that the change was to their benefit, favored a Board. The motion was carried unanimously and a poll will be held in due course.