HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1928, Page 4

HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

Tuesday, march' 27th. Tile Board met at 7.10 p.m. Present—Hon. H. L. Michel, Alessrs J. J. Breeze, A. R. Elcock, and C. L. Green. ELECTION OF CHAIRAIAX. Air Breeze nominated Hon. H. L Alichel for reappointment as Chairman Seconded by Air Green and carried. Hon. H. L. Michel thanked members for their continued confidence. He took the opportunity of expressing his great appreciation of the splendid work of the Superintendent and members of the Fire Brigade in the recent week or two when their services had to he called upon, and they had done excellent work. He again thanked members for his election. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD COREKSPOXDEXCE. It was resolved to extend for six months the leave of absence granted to AH' A. A. Andrewes (secretary) on half pay, Afr Gaylor carrying on the duties meantime on half salary. From Internal Affairs Department. Wellington asking for returns and acknowledging copies of annual halanee sheet,-—Received. From same in reference to loans il req 11 i reel. —R eee i ved. From Inspector Hugo, reporting on inspection of Hokitika Fire Brigade, there being a satisfactory turn out of 24 members, the steam engine working well, but some of the stand pipes required attention.—Received. Tt was stated that the necessary attention had been given by the Borough Council. From IT. 0. AYiley, Christchurch, resigning position as member of Board, and thanking members for support always given.—Received. A vote of appreciation of past services was passed on the motion of the Chairman and Mr Elcock. Air Green stated he had been asked by Air AYiley to express liis regret that lie bad not been able to attend the meeting. From S. AA'. Ridbind. nigbtwatchman, notifying special services during l>ast month.—Received. A vote of 30s was passed. Accounts amounting to £212 14s lid were passed for payment. SUPER INTEND ENT’S if FPORT. I have the honour to report that since your last meeting, your Brigade received four fire calls, making a total of nine calls during the year. One half of these outbreaks were of a serious nature, and caused an unusually heavy fire loss, the total amount of which is £5590, since your last annual meeting, a period ol nine months, .1 have not included the loss at P. Stephen's lire on the 25th inst. Tin; efficiency of your Brigade continues to be of a very high standard, this pleasing fact was clearly demonstrated by t-lio workmanlike and prompt manner, in wliieb they extinguished some very ugly looking outbreaks. This pleasant state of elfairs is due to the keen interest members continue to take in Brigade work. The roll book shows a high percentage of attendances, some members have not missed a single practice or meeting during the year; the prohiitionary roll is also full, and several men are awaiting a vacancy. The Fire Police continue to render valuable service to the town, and are of great assistance to the Brigade m times of stress. All gear is in good working order, with the exception of No. 5 hose reel, flic tyre of one wheel of this reel needs ad,justing. T have visited the various places of public amusement and find that the fire escape from the dress circle in the Princess Theatre, has not been completed, a hand rail has not. been provided tor the new stairway; this is urgently needed Wo will require three hundred feet of new hose, also one hydrant to replace one broken at a fire. I lie watchman's house requires some attention. also his night glasses need overhauling. The two new lengths of suction hose for the steam fire engine have arrived from England and arc now at the foundry where the couplings are being fitted on.—Received and recommendations approved. It was resolved to notify Princess Theatre proprietors to give immediate attention to the requirement. The Treasurer reported receipts £IOB '4s sd, payments £137 8s od, credit balance £lB Is.—Received. The Secretary reported the tell-tale clock was very satisfactory.—Received. Tt was reported in connection with (the fire at Stephens Bros, on Atonday morning that the uiglitwatchuian had passed the shop at 2 am. and Constable Randall at 2.15 a.in. there being then no sign of fire. LEVY ESTIA.rATE. The estimates for the year were presented the amount of levy to he ,£536 (last year £sl2).—Received and approved. The Board rose at 8 p.m.