QUEENSTOWN FIRE BRIGADE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 168, 7 December 1864, Page 2

QUEENSTOWN FIRE BRIGADE.

A general meeting of the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at Bracken's Commercial Hall, on Monday, sth December. Present—Captain Horn, (chairman) Lieutenant Louttit, Sergeant Townsend, and about twenty members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Proposed by Mr Bracken, seconded by Mr Townsend, and carried —" That the rules as read by the secretary be passed." The following report was submitted by the secretary on behalf of the Committee : Your committee much pleasure in submitting the following report to the members of the Brigade. Since their last general meeting we have much pleasure in stating that our position—as regards numbers, has considerably increased, and since the last report laid before you, we may now confidently state that our force, as shown by roll book is 47. We wish to draw your attention to the necessity of appointing auditors, according to your rules, as such are most essential. On the 3rd December, at one of our meetings, we regret to state that Mr Carey, one of our most efficient members resigned, on account of his leaving the Province. A vote of thanks was passed by your committee to him for his energetic services, and ordered to be recorded by the secretary in the minute book. We may likewise state that since our last meeting two fires have occurred in this town, without any material loss. The engine, on both occasions was in prompt attendance ; but fortunatley, the services of our Brigade were not required. We have appointed a paid secretary, who was duly elected to perform the duties appertaining to that office, for the sum of 10s per meeting. The rules as read and confirmed at a general meeting held at Bracken's Commercial Hall, on 28th March, 1864, were revised by your committee.

Our financial position is most encouraging. On October 21st, we had a balance in the bank of £1 6s. hince then we have collected the sum of £59 5s ; and our expenditure has been from that date, £3B 12s 6d. We have much pleasure therefore in stating that a balaace of £2O 12s 6d stands to our credit. In conclusion, your committee would most strenuously urge the necessity ot more regular attendance of the members at drill; supposing a fire should occur, who knows his place? and those attempting to act in any capacity with the engine, retard, rather than assist the exertions of those who know their duties and are willing to perform them. Geo. Willis, Secretary. Proposed by Mr Bracken, and seconded by Mr Louttit—•" That the secretary's report be received and adopted." Proposed by Mr Bracken, seconded by Mr Rice, and carried—" That the secretary's account be paid." Proposed by Mr Bracken, seconded by Mr Louttit—" That Mr Roche act as committee man in place of Mr Carey." Amendment, proposed by Mr Pritchard, and seconded by Mr Fraer —" That Mr George act " The amendment was lost. Proposed by Mr Louttit, and seconded by Mr Bracken—" That Messrs. Pritchard and Weaver act as auditors." Amendment, proposed by Mr M'Larn, seconded by Mr Rice, and carried—" That Messrs. Pritchard and Pattinson act as auditors." Proposed by Mr Louttit, seconded by Mr Roche, and carried —" That the Secretary be instructed to see what 50 copies of the Rules can be printed for, and report same to the Committee. Drill hours altered from four to six o'clock. Proposed by Mr Pritchard, seconded by Mr Fraer, and carried—"That those members who have not attended be waited upon by the Secretary, aud if not willing to pay up their fines, be struck off the roll. Proposed by Mr Louttit, seconded by Mr Willis, and carried—" That four as a deputation wait upon the Queenstown Improvement Committee in order to see if means cannot be arranged with that body to supply water in or near the centre of Ballarat-street, and the following form such deputation:—Messrs. Louttit, Horn, Willis and Pritchard." A vote of thanks to the chairman was then passed and the meeting separated.

We observe that the Victoria is to be started to-morrow on a private pic-nic engagement. We believe the management will be very complete, and that a most enjoyable day can be spent by those who intend going. The following is a copy of a letter received by Mr Shepherd, one of the committee appointed to prepare a petition in reference to the establishment of a Circuit Court and Gaol at Queenstown Provincial Secretary's Office, Dunedin, 24th November, 1864. Sir, —I have been directed by the Acting Provincial Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, addressed to his Honor the Superintendent, forwarding a petition from the residents of Queenstown and the Wakatip district, praying for the establishment of a Circuit Court and Gaol delivery at Queenstown. The petition was received too late to submit it to the Provincial Council, to whom, conjointly with the Superintendent, it was addressed; but his Honor has directed that the petitioners should be again informed, as they were in May last through Messrs Manders and W. G. Rees, that the recommendation of the most suitable places on the goldfields for holding sessions of the Supreme Court would be left, in a great measure, to their Honors the Judges themselves; the question is at present undecided, but when it is, economy and public convenience will have to be consulted. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Alex. Willis, Under Secretary, Thomas L. Shepherd, Esq., Queenstown.