FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2823, 13 December 1924, Page 3

FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

•The quarterly meeting of the Foxton Fire Board was held in the Board’s office last evening, presided over by. Mr F. C. Cray (-chairman). Also present were Messrs J. K. Hornblow, A. N. Smith, Rowe and Irvine, and the secretary, (Mr Roorc Rangiheuea). Superintendent Hamer was also in attendance. An a.pology for absence was received from Mr Geo. Coley. FINANCE.

The following financial statement was submitted: Credit balance as at 1/7/24, £54 4/1, overpayment 2/7, contributions (insurance companies £173 2/8, Treasury £25, Borough Council £9O 9/6) £519 18/10. Expenditure: Furnishings £93 10s lOd, erection horse gallows £sl 10/-, equipment £lO 3/11, office £l6 0/10, travelling expenses £3 10/6, plant and repairs £3 5/6, insurances £24 14/2, gas etc. £2O 14s lu, interest £43 10/-, balances as at *3/12/24 £319 18/10. The amount of unexpended estimates was £359 9/-. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The superintendent’s report was read as follows: —; . During the last three months the brigade had four calls, three being fires, all of which were extinguished without serious damage being done, the other a tow-fire outside my district and the Brigade returned to the station after locating the fire. The pressure in all cases was good and I think Mr Neville should be congratulated on his promptness in getting the engine at the pumping station going. Fourteen musters have been held, and attended by ah average of 13.7 members. It would greatly add to the efficiency of the brigade if some arrangement could be made to give preference to its members in the matter of employment locally. I have tested all the hose and find that I have 600 feet of good sound hose, the remainder being fit for practice purposes only. The belts, spike axes and spanners, and hand lamps have come to hand all being satisfactory. PREFERENCE TO BRIGADES - MEN. The suggestion contained in the Superintendent’s report, that preference be given to firemen' caused some discussion. Superintendent Hamer said that recently he had lost, one or two firemen through them becoming out of employment locally and having I" go elsewhere in search of work. He suggested that the Board should write local employers asking that preference in employment be given to < firemen. Mr Smith said that the matter could be quite easily dealt with by the local members. Decided that the Superintendent notify local when any brigadesmen are out of employment. The superintendent’s report was adopted. RESIGNATION. The resignation of Deputy C. R. Wilson was accepted and it was decided to send him a letter of thanks and expressing regret that owing to the absence of employment he had to leave the district. NEW MEMBERS. The following new members were elected to the fire brigade: — R. MeEwen, C. McArtney, J. MeKewon, C. Blanche, and J. Kirkland. CONGRATULATIONS. Mr Smith said he wished to congratulate the brigade on their very fine work in connection with recent fires, and their promptness in get- , ting to the scene of the conflagration. He specially mentioned the . ' good 1 work done in connection with the fire at Mr Hynes’ residence last month.. He’ was very pleased to see the keen interest evinced by the men ' who were voluntary firemen. The Chairman also made complimentary reference to the. brigade. He said Foxton had suffered much from fire loss. They had now made provision for the suppression and prevention of . serious eonflagra- - tions. It must not be overlooked, however, that the members of the brigade were volunteers and risked limb, life and health for others, and when they succeeded, which they always did now, some recognition should he made by the Board and public. He conveyed his. sincere appreciation of the efforts, of the men to the brigade.

* GENERAL. It was decided to order copper ferrels for brigade from Messrs A. and T. Burt. §- ' i ' Decided to write to the trustees of the McCarthy estate, and request that- the shed at the rear of the Family Hotel be demolished or repaired as in its present condition ;it constitutes a menace; to the town. - Decided to procure supply of fire brigade report forms from the secretary of the U.F.B.A. The secretary was instructed to ascertain the cost of a statutory fence round the fire station and to advise the Wellington members of same. - Decided that local members meet once every month, date of meeting to be mutually agreed upon. Decided to ask the Health Officer to report on firp station drainage system. .. Decided to make provision on next year’s estimates for an enamel bath and califont for the fire station. Decided that the secretary advertise chemical engine for sale. Accounts amounting to £llO 7/11 were passed for payment. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. f The Chairman moved that this Board desires to express regret that owing to his illness, Mr Coley is unable to be present at this meeting, and that they tender their sympathy

and' would express the hope that he will be speedily restored to health. At the conclusion of the meeting Mr J. K. Hornblow. on behalf of the members of the Board, wished the Chairman the compliments of the season. Mr Cray thanked members for their good wishes and in turn wished them all every happiness for the coming season. At the conclusion of the meeting, Superintendent Hamer gave a false alarm of fire in Mr Cowley’s residence, in Main Street. The brigade was playing water over the building two and a quarter minutes after the .alarm was given. After the “alarm” practice was ( included the mem were assembled and Mr Cray addressed them, complimenting them on their very fine exhibition and promising them that the Board would assist them in any way possible. He urged on the men to stick together and at all times to carry out orders issued to them by their superiors.