HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1925, Page 3

HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD.

The annual meeting uas held hist evening at 8 o’clock. Present .Messrs Grierson (Chair), 'Watkins, Wilson, (unison, Eleock, and Breeze. An apology was made for the absence of Hon. H. L. Michel. On the motion of Messrs Grierson and Breeze, Hon. H. L. Michel was unanimously re-elected Chairman. -Mr Grierson welcomed the new members (Messrs Watkins and Eleock) and on bis motion a vote of appreciation was |Kissed to the retiring members Messrs Cameron and Lloyd. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence appiuieu. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. Various formal letters were read and reteived.

From S. W. Ridlands, complaining of annoyance and loss of sleep involved through the Diesel engine installed near bis residence.—Received. From Hokitika Fire Brigade notifying renomination of Messrs W. Braddon and J. J. Williams as Supt. and Deputy respectively.-—. Received and appointments confirmed.

From same applying tor service medals and bars. Received and agreed to. From Secretary (A. A. Aml re" es) applying for increase of salary.—Received and resolved that the salary bo increased by £2fi per year. The Secretary reported receipts £llO USs 7d: payments £lOl 9s ltd; credit balance £7-1 lls Hid. Received. From .Same, reporting no misses on tell tale clock.—Received as very satisfactory. SUPER! NT UNDENT'S REPORT. I have the honor to report that during the year now ended, your Brigade received and answer six fire (.alls. The lire, loss caused hy these outbreaks were far greater than usual, amounting to the substantial sum of £2355. During a steam engine trial held recently, tho engine cast the piston rings in the main water cylinder. Examination showed the end of the piston rod had wasted, and it will he necessary to have a piece of new red welded on to the old. Temporary repairs have been effected, these may stand good for some time, hut on the other hand they may give out at any time. The suction hose belonging to this engine has also given trouble, having I*’crane very brittle through old age. It will be necessary to procure two new lengths, without couplings. I recommend that two standard nozzles, one standard hydrant, three leather helmets and two It u nil red feet of 2] inch hose he also procured. Some small repairs are needed at No 4 Fire station; and the floor of No 1 also requires looking to. I have great pleasure in recording, that the members of your Brigade continue to take a very keen interest in Brigade work, the numerous musters, meetings, and fire calls being well attended and on behalf of the Brigade I desire to tender you our hearty thanks for the generous and courteous manner, in which you have met our requirements. During the year we have had some months of very great anxiety, owing to an acute shortage in the water supply, hut happily we have passed safely through. At present I understand the position is far easier, tho Borough Council having brought in an auxiliary supply, which appears to have augmented the supply considerably. The annual inspection of means ot escape from places of public amusement showed that the stairway Irom Hie dress circle, at the Princess Theatre, requires immediate overhaul, one stringer has decayed and the wooden pillars supporting the stairway are rotten at the base.

The dress circle escape at the Opera House also requires immediate attention, being left in an incomplete state, no handrails have been provided to prevent anyone using this exit hurriedly during the hours of darkness from walking off the roof into the next yard. ( The steps from the escape door at the Church of England Sunday School, requires a new handrail on one side. ,\ two tread step is wanted outside the escape door on the north side of St. Andrews’ Hall.—Received and adopted. From 11. Thompson reporting the hell tower required repairs at an estimated cost of £2o.—Received and repairs authorised. The Secretary submitted estimates of receipts and expenditure for the ensuing year totalling £550.-Rereived and adopted.