HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1917, Page 1

HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD.

, MONDAY, DEC. 17th. The Board met at 3 p.m. Present A 1 essrs 11. IL. Michel (Chairman.) .1. J. Breeze 11. A* Thompson, J. H. A\ ilsou, J. F. Grierson and H. P. Hopkins. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed and inward correspondence, approved. Leave of absence was granted to Air. Coulson. ’ - IN AV ARD CORRESPOND EN CE. From Departiuent of Internal Affairs forwarding copy of annual report of Inspector of Fire Brigades.—Received. From Christchurch hire Brigade, with a view to urging Government to make an increased grant to hire Boards, and stating that representation had been made without success.—Received. The Chairman was of opinion the requests were most reasonable. He moved that the Board co-operate as desired. Seconded by Air. Grierson, who outlined the difficulties Fire Boards were at present labouring under. The motion was agreed to, From Port Chalmers Borough Council asking particulars of working of Fire Board.—Received and replied to. From 11. Hart, tendering resignation as nightwatclinia'n—Received, and resignation accepted with regret. Three weeks leave due, wore granted. The Secretary reported receipts £B3 16s Id; payments £B9 10s 0d ; credit balance £lOl 10s Id. —Received. The Telltale clock report was taken as read and received. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

I have the honor- to report that since vour last meeting there lias been four Fire (lulls, three of these were outbreaks occurring in the same* building, during a period of four days, and was responsible for considerable loss, by lire and water. The fourth call was also of a’ very serious nature the building being badly damaged. In connection with the above tires, T desire to draw your Board’s attention to the meritorious, and efficient work done by your Brigade, which calls for special mention, and I take this opportunity of thanking the Deputy-Super-intendent Davidson, and the other officers and members for two such good stops. , The Hook and Ladder Carriage needs overhauling. One axle is bent, and the wheels do not track, the body of the carriage lias .shifted on the axles and needs attending to. The Brigade, had to be divided into' three extra companies when the high water pressure supply was established here, this had the effect of reducing the number of men on the H. li. Company, with the result that if a horse or motor does not turn up at the station, when an alarm is given it takes longer time than is advisable to get. this very necessary part of the plant to the fire, in fact if the distance to be travelled is great, it is a slow and laborious operation. To remedy this to a great extent, experts advise that the present three inch tyres be cut down to ill-in. thereby lessoning the friction. Some alterations to the steering gear is also necessary, to enable’ it to bo hitched on to and steered behind a motor-car. The estimated cost of the alterations is about £l6. All the rest of the gear and stations are in good order.—Received.

The Chairman congratulated the Brigade on the excellent work carried out at the two fires, which was worthy of the Brigade’s best efforts. Referring to the request for alteration to the hook and ladder carriage the Chairman pointed out that the carriage was a very old one, having been purchased from Ballarat 50 years ago, and it was then 17 years old, having been made by McCarthy and A hired of Ballarat. It had dope good service, but the alterations recommended would be a: decided improvement- and he recommended the request being acceded to. .Messrs Breeze and Thompson support od the recommendation. The report as a whole was then adopt od. Accounts amounting to £132 5s 2d were passed for payment. NIG TTTAVATCHAIA N. Applications were received from the following:— Albert •Gntbusli, Hokitika. AVilliam McNeil, Hokitika AV. A. Fleming, Kokatnh.i. •J. R. Alillncr, Kanieri. It was resolved to hold over the applications for a month and that meantime Alls. Fleming be given a month’s trial, to sec if his health was good enough to carry out the duties. GOOD AVISHES. Mr. Hopkins wished the Chairman and members good wishes for the Christmas season and moved that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the Superintendent and members of tlie Fire Brigade expressing the Board’s appreciation of their services during the year, and convoying hearty good wishes for Christmas and the coming year. < ■* Air. Gric rson in seconding the- motion paid a tribute to the work of the Brigade which he had heard eulogised on all sides. t The Chairman acknowledged the references to the Board and endorsed the complimentary references to the Brigade, which ho knew were well deserved. The motion as agreed two and the Board rose.