FOXTON FIRE BOARD.
ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Eoxton Fire Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday. Present : Messrs F. G. Cray (chairman), 11. Filmer., A. IT. Clerke, M. E. Perrenu, -T. K. Hornblow, F. Woods, M. 11. Walker and the secretary (Mr. R. Rangiheauea). Superintendent Downes was also in attendance. The chairman extended a welcome hack to the Board to Mr J. lv. Hornblow after his tripi abroad. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. In moving that Mr. F. G. Cray be re-elected chairman of the*Board, Mr J. K. Hornblow said that the local members all recognised the great, sacrifices Mr. Cray had made during his term as chairman of the Foxton Fire Board and they were deeply indebted to him for bis efforts in that connection. It would be to the advantage of the Board to re-elect Mr Cray as chairman as lie had had considerable experience in fire board matters. Mr. Perreau in seconding the motion, also made eulogistic reference to Mr. Cray’s ability. Mr. Cray, in thanking the speakers for their reference to him, said that he had come to the meeting that day determined to ask his colleagues to release him from office. He was now a member of the Wellington Fire Board and that office involved a good deal of work. If re-elected, he said, this would be his last term of office on the Foxton Board. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mu'. Cray returned thanks for his re-election, but again stressed the point lie had always held —that the position of chairman should be rotary. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The report and balance-sheet were read and dealt with as follows : The personnel of the Board during the twelve months ended June 30th, 1926, was as follows: —Mr. J. K. Hornblow (appointed by the Government); Messrs. E. Ct. Cray, IL Filmer, A. 11. Clerke (appointed by the Insurance Companies); Messrs M. E. Perreau, F. Woods, M. 11. Walker (appointed by the Foxton Borough Council. Mr. F. G. Cray was unanimously elected Chairman,
Meetings: —During the year the Board held four statutory and one special meeting, the attendance thereat being as follows: — Mr. J. K. Hornblow, statutory 2, special 0, total 2; Mr. F. G. Cray, 4, I, 5; Mr. 11. Filmer, 4,1, 5; Mr. A. 11. Clerke,, 4,1, 5; Mr. M. E. Perreau, 4,1, 5; Mr. F. Woods, 4,1, 5; Mr. M. 11. Walker, 3,1, 4. Insurance companies returns: — The Insurance Companies submitted their returns of premiums received within the Fire District for the year ended 31st December, 1924, being a total of £1986 9s 2d. Estimates of Expenditure: —The estimates of expenditure for the year ended June 3t)tli, 1926, wore duly submitted to and approved by the Minister of Internal Affairs, totalling £595 Is 4d. Station and Plant: —The Brigade has in band 1000 feet of good hose and about 500 feet of well worn hose which can he used for practice purposes, .1 fire-bell, 1 siren, 2 extinguishers, 1 lire engine, station furnishings, equipment and existing lire plant. An order for new hose has been placed with the Department ol Internal Affairs.
Fives: —During the year there have been seven fires recorded. The particulars of which are as. follows: —1 outside the Borough limits, 4 rubbish, and 2 in Avenue Rd. Brigade Efficiency: —The efficiency of the Brigade during the year has been well maintained, notwithstanding the numerous changes in iis personnel, and we are assured that the ratepayers of Foxton are being, well provided with complete lire protection.
Chemical Engine:—The Chemical engine purchased from the Borough Council is still on hand, and endeavours will he made to dispense of it at the earliest opportunity. -
Fire Engine: —The engine is still giving satisfaction. Billiard Table: —The table continues to provide means of social recreation to the members of the Brigade. Finance:—The statement of Receipts and Expenditure and other accounts as set out on the following pages hereof show the financial transactions of the Board during I lie year, but several amounts which have been paid are non-recurrent.
Thanks: —The Board desire to record their thanks and appreciation to the Police for their assistance on all occasions, and the the Herald for publicity given, to Board matters. Appreciation of the Board for the services rendered by Inspector Hugo was also recorded, whose assistance has, at all time, been of value to the Board. Adopted. SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT. The Superintendent’s annual report was read as follows: —Calls attended: !) including 4 rubbish fires one outside borough limits and two buildings totally destroyed, details of which I have already supplied. All the plant has been overhauled by the Deputy-Superintend-ent and myself, and is in good working order. Number of members of the brigade: 14 and one messenger. Plant on station: 1 fire engine, 1000 feet of good hose and 500 feel mostly used for practice, 15 canvas buckets, 12 pouches, 11 axes, 12 belts, 1 extension lad-
der, 20 uniforms, 3 hydrants, 6 branches, 4 unions, 16 helmets, 11 spanners, 1 hand pump, and various part's of old gear. Some of the hose is getting the worse of wear, but can be used on second hydrant at a lire which would mean dividing the pressure. Boot allowance for 8 members is on the rollbook. I fixed a light wire rope on the bell, and also erected the siren at the station. The men were very keen at the work during the year. Inspector Hugo paid a visit to the brigade.and was well satisfied with the way in which the men performed their duties. The members of the brigade wish to thank the Board for their donation towards the expenses of the team that attended the recent Dunedin Demonstration and for structural improvements at the Station, which have added, in no uncertain measure, to the comfort and convenience of the brigade.”—Adopted TIIE ESTIMATES. In speaking of the estimates for the coming year, the chairman said that he regretted that he could not suggest any appreciable reduction this year. The Board would have to he in existence for about five years before any noticeable reduction could be made in this direction. He was very anxious to see the estimates reduced for the sake of the local Borough Council as well as the other contributing bodies. The estimates for the year 192627 were considered at length and after careful consideration the total arrived at was £5lO 12s Bd. The secretary was authorised to obtain the (comparative costs of electric and gas light at the firp station, and also cost of electrical installation. EIRE POLICE. Mr. Woods reported that he already had eight name?; to hand of persons prepared to act as fire police. The Chairman said that fire police were a very desirable institution. He was pleased to see Mr. Woods had the matter in hand. The matter was left in the hands of Mr Woods. NEW MEMBERS. G. C. Coley and P. WV Little were elected members of the Brigade. TOWN HALL FIRE. The chairman expressed regret that the coronial inquiry held in connection with the Town Hall fire had not been successful. If the hall had been deliberately fired those who did it should have‘ben punished. He was in favour of an inquiry after every fire. GENERAL. The ballot for all Fire Board risks was taken and the Commercial Union office was the successful company for the ensuing twelve months. The question of varnishing the fire engine was left in the hands of the local committee. Also the matter of providing eoeoanut matting and chest-of-drnwers for the (ire station. It was decided to grant the Fire Brigade a refund of the drivers’ fee and the amount paid for alterations to uniforms. Accounts amounting to £96 16s lid were passed for payment. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 30503, 26 June 1926, Page 2
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1,304FOXTON FIRE BOARD. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 30503, 26 June 1926, Page 2
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