HOKITIKA FIRE BRIGADE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1927, Page 1

HOKITIKA FIRE BRIGADE

TUESDAY, AIAY 31st

The annual meeting of the Brigade was held at 8 p.iu. Present: Supt. Braddon and 27 members.

Tho minutes were confirmed, tho outward correspondence was approved and inward correspondence of a. formal nature was read and received.

One letter was an acknowledgement of an expression of sympathy by the Brigade in connection with the recent death of Deputy Supt. Thompson, and the Brigade members at the request of the Superintendent, rose and stood in silence as a tribute to the deceased.

The balance sheet showed receipts, including balance ,C 7 4s lid at beginning of the year totalled £4O IBs sd, expenditure £3B I7s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £2 Is 2d. The team’s account showed a. credit balance of CU! 15s 2d. The report was received and adopted, a vote of appreciation being passed to Supt. late Deputy and Engineer for donations to tho prize fund of £1 each.

The various officers reported on the gear under their charge as generally satisfactory. Roy Roberts was elected a member, having served his probationary term, and n vacancy having occurred. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr AY. Hall for a donation of a gold medal; to tho “Guardian” for publicity given; and to Air W. Newman for donation of a set of caps for members. SUPIvRINTENDENT’S REPORT. 1 have the honor to report that during the year now ended all prnctico musters and meetings, have been exceptionally well attended, some of you have not missed a single muster, a fact that, speaks volumes for the great interest you continue to take in the welfare of our Brigade, and the result of this close attention is plainly shown at fire calls, where you workman-like efficiency is a pleasant sight, pleasing to myself and to our townsfolk. It is also very gratifying to read Inspector Hugo’s report to the department lie represents. that when he inspected the Brigade, the inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and that the attendance at fire calls averaged 87 per cent, of the total membership, a- good record.

Tho fire calls we received were 7 iii number, and resulted in a comparatively small fire loss. Our thanks are due to the Borough turncocks, Messrs C’hesterman and Gaylor for the promptness they show in turning on the full water pressure at fire calls.

T desire to thank the members of the Borough Council for their earnest and successful efforts to conserve n sufficieiu'v of water to meet our mi"

meiiis, a thing which I know is some times very difficult to accomplish.

With a sorrowful heart I liavo In record the death of .Deputy Superintendent If. Thompson, n man of sound judgment, fearless in action, and of a lovable nature. During bis long period of service in this Brigade ho endeared himself to us all, and I desire to extend to his family and relatives our deepest- sympathy in their bereavement and to assure Them that we highly appreciate his unselfish service, and that as a comrade we- will miss him greatly. And now I come to another personally painful part of this report, for 1 have to announce that the time has now arrived, when through increasing years, after forty-seven and a. half years of service among you. I have to drop out of your ranks, hut T have the very great satisfaction of knowing that the efficiency of this Brigade is of as high a standard a.s over, and if I have, even in a very small measure, helped in that direction, I am well repaid, and I desire to thank you one and all for flic great courtesy, kindness, and consideration you have extended to m during the many years 1 have had the honour of being one of your officers. The Brigade is like a regiment, it never dies, although individually we are compelled to drop out. one by one, some through old age, and some through death, and so with best wishes for your continued success, T remain. Tours sincerely, Wm. Bit ADDON.

Mr Mclntosh moved the reception. The latter clause was very distressing, and he trusted that the Supt. would continue for another year. He had been an honoured head of the Brigade for mam - years.

Mr C. It oss endorsed the remarks of Engineer Mclntosh and urged that in view of the special loss they had recently sustained that the Supt. accede to their request and continue in office for another year.—Endorsed bv acclamation.

Supt. Brad don said be felt that he was not as fit- a.s he used to lie, but under the very special circumstances he would accede to their request, and would continue in office for a further year. The statement was received very heartily, members singing. “For He’s a .Tolly Good Fellow.” The report was then adopted with the exception of tlie last clause which was deleted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Superintendent—Air IT. f\ Braddon. (re-elected). t Deputy-Supt.—Foremen McGregor and Williams, and Engineer Mclntosh were nominated and Engineer Mclntosh was elected on a ballot. Engineer Mclntosh returned thanks, also express rig his great pleasure that the Superintendent had consented to not for another year.

Foreman Williams and McGregor congratulated the new Deputy on his election.

Secretary—J. 0. Lakin (re-elected). A vote of thanks to the auditor, Mr ,Tas. Wilson, was passed. The annual ball was fixed for Wednesday. July 20th. and arrangements were left to the -secretary to deal with.

Master H. Thompson was appointed messenger and Mr Hugh Preston a probationary member. The roll was then called and the Brigade was dismissed. Subsequently members spent a pleasant hour in harmony.