INSPECTOR HUGO’S VISIT

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2270, 15 August 1908, Page 2

INSPECTOR HUGO’S VISIT

INTERVIEW WITH THE FIRE HOARD. Captain Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades, met tho Gisborne Fire Board last evening, 'and had a talk over matters connected with the control of the Brigade, the indispensable apparatus to bo acquired, and the functions of the Board. The meeting was a private one, and the representatives of the imess wore not admitted. The meeting appointed Mr. Toivnley as Superintendent, and Senior-Foreman Thompson as depu-ty-Superintendent of the Brigade.

COMPLIMENTARY SUPPER

After the meeting, the Chairman of the Board (Mr. John Toivnley) entertained Inspector Hugo and the members of the Fire Brigade at supper in Toivniey’s Hall. Mr. Toivnley occupied the chair, and in introducing Captain Hugo, contrasted the position of the Brigade as at present with the position in 1883. in the old days it was almost, impossible to tight a fire. At length a properly organised Brigade was formed, and it steadily increased in membership and purchased up-to-dato apparatus. The old Brigade had now passed out of existence, and a new order of things had come to pass. They had as their guest Captain Hugo, who told them the Fire Brigade would have to be improved. The Board would in future see to the equipment of the Brigade, and he hoped that under the new system greater advance would be made. Fortunately the town had not suffered from fires during the current year; but Gisborne had seen big fires in past-years. However, he hoped the high-pressure water supply would be a great help in fire fighting in the future. Although there were often fires it was a pity to extinguish thexu* because many. buildings in the town would be better burnt down. He felt sure the i icsent strength of the Brigade would be equal to any fire that could break out in Gisborne. It had always been a pleasure to him to be connected with the Brigade in the past, and ho was always proud of the achievements of the Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade. (Applause.) The Brigade had broken the record in one competition for a reel race in Wellington* and had held its own in all the demonstrations it had attended.

Inspector Hugo said a fireman could not do more than his duty. Ho was not usually disposed to bestow fulsome praise, but lie always recognised the good and noble work done by firemen. People said , that one volunteer was worth, six pressed men, and lie hoped that would be proved true in Gisborne, for if a man cook up fire brigade work it was a good hobby. He did'not intend tx> criticise ihe G-isborne Brigade, but ho saw much room for improvement. They often heard of the big fires in America, hut the fire waste in New Zealand was a great deal more per herd of population than in any other part of the world, and he hoped to Dry and reduce the amount. Fire waste was a loss to the country, and was of no profit to any one. The firo waste in the Dominion averaged nearly £300,000 a year, and that amount was excessive. The new position of the Brigade would not necessarily interfere with the Brigade’s relations with the Fire Brigades’ Association. He was not opposed to tho Association, and he never prevented the Wellington firemen from joining. Still, brigade should remember that a certain number of men were always required ready for service, and it was not right that members should go to com pel ikons without some arrangements beiim made for this work to be undertaken should need arise. Ho was very pleased with the reception that hud been tendered to him. He lmd been pleased to meet Mr. Townley. who had been connected with the Brigade from its inception. Mr. Townies had shown a great public spirit, and his work deserved every commendation, and he would tell him lie was fortunate to have such a fine body of firemen in Gisborne.

‘Mr. IV. Pet tie also welcomed Inspector Hugo to Gisborne, and said it- was a pity tho people of Gisborno did not show more support to tho firemen who protected their property while the people wore asleep. A hi emails lite was one of self-sacrifice tor which a large number of residents did not give full credit. Ho hoped with the Inspector’s visit fresh .intcrest would be taken in tho Brio*"u’ :1^ 1 tbat "tout, good would resmt. Mr. Townley had stuck to the Volunteer Brigade for a long term oi years and his work was one to be grateful for. He was glad Mr townley was chairman of the Firo Board, tor his long service in tho Brigade would be of valuo to the membors,, and lie hoped tho Brigado wpuld go on as in the pa s t, for Mr. jOjvidey had been appointed the new Ibupefintendont of the Brigade, and ? Thompson deputy-Suporin-t end cut. (Applause.) J 0 ™ 11 Wildish thanked no 1 ire Board for the election of the ollicers..

I'orcman Thompson, in a brief expr ?® sed hope that the Brigade would continue to work with the same cordial relations that oxisted. under the old system. t .'.‘‘oChanman then thanked Captain Hugo for attending, and the srssyft* *» «"•<*•« &