HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1926, Page 3

HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16tli

The Board met at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs J. F. Grierson, It. T. Watkins, J. J. Breeze, A. R. Elcock, J. 11. Wilson and H. M. Coulson. Mr Grierson was voted to the chair. The minutes were confirmed and outward e.irofspondieiiee approved. Mr Coulson referred to the death of ox-Supt. F. Thompson and moved that the Board regrets the passing of exSupt. Thompson and convey the sympathy of the Board to the widow and nelatives. Seconded j>y Air Breeze and carried in silence. ' INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Hokitika Borough Council

stating that the cause of the delay in turning on the water at Baty’s fire was due to tlie failure of the turncock to receive th? alarm, and stating since then the Inspector’s house had been connected with tlie alarm system.—Received.

From Westland Hospital Board <?n-

quirng if an old hose reel, not in use, was available at a nominal figure—Received and request granted for the nominal sum of os. From telegraph officer, Hokitika, in uegan 1 to failure of the telephone system at Baty’s fire, and stating a new generator had been installed, which would provide a better call in future. Received. The Secretary reported that since the receipt of the let ter the Telegraph Inspector bad visited Hokitika and bad suggested alternative systems, but at the present moment the system was working very satisfactorily. From Christchurch Eire Board ask-

ng support to a proposal for alteraion to the Eire Board Act to ensure

mprisonment in lieu of a line for lalieious lire alarm. Received and proosal to bo supported. From AVellington Eire Police Corps.

enclosing copy of regulations and other information for formation of corps.— Received. From Hokitika Eire Brigade notifying Messrs AY. C. Braddon and H. A. Thompson were elected Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent; respectively, and supplying list of service medals and liars due to members.—Received, the appointment of officers was confirmed ami it was agreed to provide medals and bars duo. From J. J. Williams suggesting the alarm bell on bis premises be continued, as it would be bandy in ease of an outbreak in that vicinity—Received; no action taken, it being considered it was not necessary in view of there being an alarm at the Borough Foreman’s residence.

The Treasurer reported receipt; £125 9s sd. payments £lO3 16s 4d credit balance £97 Is Od. Received.

The Secretary reported that there were no discrepancies on the tell-tale clock system during the period.—Received a.s very satisfactory. SUPERTNTEXDENT’S REPORT. I have the honor to report that dur-

ug the year now ended your Brigade •eecived thirteen fire calls. Seven of

lose proved to be of a serious name, and were responsible for the •eater part- of the unusually heavy •e loss amounting to £9.370. A disirbing feature of snive of these fires that they acre undoubtedly of inndiary origin, which is a regrettable ct to record.

Tt gives me great pleasuri? to report at. at all tiros, musters and meetings c exceptionally well attended by ■tubers, and the usual high standard efficiency is well maintained, and I i more than pleased to compliment

he Brigade on their sustained and unelfisli efforts, to protect the lives and iroperty of our townsfolk, often under cry adverse circumstances.

Since your last meeting our alarm system has been overhauled, added to and strengthened. There are now t.ao turncocks, both of whom are connected with the tower. A far stronger battery to work the alarm system has been installed by the Telephone Office, and the rings received indicate a great improvement.

The lightning conductor of the tower has fallen down, and tho conn.ectj i,cable has broken, tho floor of No. 1 station requires looking to, and the tloor of No. 3 station needs painting. This with the purchase of two hundred feet of hose will moot till our requirements for another year.

On nearly every occasion flint a Theatrical Company with a reputation for merit visits Hokitika, Ihe downstair passages of the Princess Theatre arc blocked with standing people, who are unable to find a seat. In -check this dangerous practice. T would suggest that the Borough Inspector he asked to take action, under the Borough bye-law, against individuals whom lie may find standing in any of these passages. The trees on Cass Square have now grown considerably , higher than the watch-tower, rendering it impossible for the watchman to see an outbreak in its early stage, in the north-east part of the town. A fire in tliat quarter at night would have to break through, before it. would be visible from the tower.

The upstair (ire escape in the Princes! Theatre requires attention, both stringers at the lower end being rotten. Mr Mclntosh has promised to have temporary repairs effected immediately, pending the assembly of suitable timber for a new stairway.

A copy of the Wellington lire Police rules is now to hand and the local Fire Police company is formed, and now awaits tb? Board’s acceptance of their services, after which they will he sworn in.—Yours sincerely.

AATn. BR ADDON. —Received and adopted, requirements to lie attended to. It was resolved to ask the Council to have the trees in Cass Square lopped. Mr Greirson moved that Hon. IT. L. Michel be. re-elected Chairman of the Board. Seconded Hv Mr Brecr.e and carried.

The estimates for the year were submitted. totalling £SOO, a reduction of £SO on last year.—Received and adopted. Accounts amounting to £lO7 4s 2d were passed for payment. The Board rose at noon.