HOKITIKA FIRE BRIGADE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1929, Page 2

HOKITIKA FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL MEETING. . TUESDAY, JUNE 4th. The annual meeting of the Hokitika Fire Brigade was held at 8 p.m. Present: Supt. Mclntosh (in the chair), Deputy-Supt. L. Ross and 25 members. Tlie roll was called, the minutes were confirmed, outward correspondence approved, and inward correspondence already dealt with.

SUPER 1 NTFjNDENT’S REPORT, The Officers and Members of the H. V. F. B. Gentlemen:—This being my first annual report to the Brigade there niffy be some shortcomings, if so I hope you will overlook them. It is not quite a year since I. took office, and up to the present we have had 15 alarms. I am pleased to report that only on three occasions wore there any serious losses (the racecourse, Mr Clias Friend’s cottage and .Too bey’s Garage). As for the racecourse fire it could be deemed out of bounds, and absolutely no blame lor the loss could be attached to tlie Brigade under the existing conditions of the water supply at that time.

T must say that on each occasion when an alarm, has been given the Brigade proved up to its usual standard, the men turning out and working well. The popularity and appreciation of the Brigade has been shown by the number of donations and letters of thanks received. The year lias boon marked with more than usual interest by the fact that we have bad the U.F.B.A. Jubilee Conference and Demonstration held here, at the end of February last, and for the success of that great gathering the very best thanks of our Brigade is due to the townspeople for their very liberal assistance.

The membership and efficiency of tlie Brigade is fully maintained. T have made an application to the Fire Board for a motor reel, and the matter is still under consideration; we are also considering the possibility of a better alarm system. If we are successful in bringing these two items about the Brigade will be placed on a much more efficient basis. Gentlemen, before closing T- would like to convey the thanks of our Brigade to the Hokitika Fire Board for their kind consideration shown for the year. ■* . Wishing the Brigade F successful vear,—T am etc., .T. .T. McTNTOSH, Sup?. —■Received. *• T! \U\XCE SHEET. ti,, i.' l .we sheet- showed receipts 2104 16s Oil, and expenditure £7l 10s

Od, leaving a credit.-.balance ..of £3O 3s Od.—Received.

The Superintendent moved thp reception of .the report and balance sheet and referred to the,,,series of alarms and fires in tlie earlyi.part of his term of, office-. He had appreciated the work of the members, and, generally the suport given him by officers and men.—Seconded by upt. Ross. Supported by ex-%Supt. who congratulated the Brigade op .flic excellent work during tlie p/Vjt year. The motion was agreed to. It was resolved to merge the team’s account in the, general account. The various .foremen’s reported the gear generally to he in go.pt] prder.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Superintendent Supt. Mclntosh (re-elected). Deputy-Supt.—Deputy-Supt, L. Ross (re-elected). Both officers expressed their appreciation of the support accorded by members during the year and for the continuance of their confidence again reposed. Secretary find Treasurer—Foreman J. G. Lakiu (re-elected). A vote of thanks was passed to the Audi tor. fire" alarm system. The question of introducing a new fire alarm system on lines of that in vogue at present at Blenheim, was discussed and generally was approved. The Superintendent was authorised to confer with the Postmaster with a. view to procuring an estimate of the cost involved, and if a- reasonable amount only was involved, then the matter could he placed before the Fire Board for their consideration. The meeting then terminated.