HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1928, Page 1

HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD

MONDAY, JUNE 20tli.

The Board met at 7 p.m. Present: Hon H. L. Michel (Chairman), J. J Breeze, A. R. Elcock, C. L. Green, F. C. Haycraft. MOTION OF SYMPATHY.

The Chairmalti referred to tho recent bereavement in the family of Air J. J. Breeze and moved that tho Board place on record its deep sympathy with him, his wife and family in their loss. Seconded by Air Elcock an<l carried in silence.

The minutes were confirmed and correspondence outward approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Department of Internal Affairs notifying election of members.—Received.

From Ironmasters’ Association, inviting assistance of Board in connection with, primary industries.—Re-

eeived. From Canterbury Underwritors’ Association in regard to fires.—Received. From Hokitika Borough Council forwarding levy.—Received. From S. AY. (Rutland, applying for annual leave.—Received and request granted. From Hokitika Fire Brigade, notifying the selection of Engineer J. J. Mclntosh, as Superintendent and Foreman Lynn Ross as Deputy Superintendent.—Received and recommendations approved. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. I have the honor to report that since your last meeting there has been two outbreaks of fire. One proved to be a rubbish fire in AYhnrf.St., the other was more serious, a film having caught fire ditring a cinema performance in tlio Princess Theatre. The operator, however, showed considerable courage and presence of mind, manfully tackling the outbreak with a fire extinguisher until ho was overcome by the fumes. By this time all immediate danger was past, a few buckets of water being all that was needed to finish the job. In the meantime the Brigade had run out two leads of hose in very quick time, but their services were not required further, than that. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, the audience making for the exits with commendable order. With extreme regret I have to report that I have found it necessary to retire from active brigade work, and hereby desire to tender my resignation as superintendent of your brigade. Thanking you for the courtesy extended to me during the seventeen years I have" had the honor to bo your chief officer, and wishing you and the Brigade the greatest success in the futu re.—R eco i ved. Mr Green moved that the resignation of Supt. Braddon be accepted with regret and that the Board place on record its deep appreciation of the valuable services rendered over a long term of years hv the retiring superintendent. and that a suitable presentation be made expressive of that appreciation. Seconded by Mr Haycraft. The Chairman (Hon 11. L. Michel) in supporting the motion paid a high tribute to the splendid record of Mr Braddon as fireman and superintendent alike. Ho had served the public fnitlifuly and well over a lifetime and had at all times proved his great value. As superintendent he had been a most capable and trustworthy officer, who deserved everything that had been said of him. He deeply regretted the necessity of severing the very pleasant recollections that had always existed between Mr Braddon and the Board, hut he recognised that the creeping on of time was responsible for the present action. He conveyed to Mr Braddon his own personal appreciation of his long services and wished him many years of pleasant retirement. Mr Breeze supported the motion endorsing the previous remarks and personally expressing his own appreciation of the long and faithful service of Mr Braddon as a member of the Hokitika Fire Brigade during a period of 48J years. The motion was then agreed to. Mr Braddon returned thanks for the generous references of members. He personally deeply regretted the necessity of severing the very pleasant relations that had always existed with the Brigade and the Board. He retired from active service with distinct re•;rct but was glad to know Ins services had been appreciated. REPORTS. ' The Treasurer reported receipts £179 18s 4d, payments £7G 7s 4d, cr. balance £lO3 11s Od.—-Received. The Secretary reported the tell-tale clock showed no discrepancies.—Received as very satisfactory. , Accounts as presented were passed for payment. The Board then rose.