FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3542, 25 September 1926, Page 3

FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

- QUARTERLY MEETING

The quarterly meeting of the Foxton Fire Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday afternoon, presided over by the Chairman (Mr F. C. Cray). Also present were Messrs A. H. Clerke (Wellington), -J. K. Ilornblow, M. E. Pcrreau, F. Woods, and the secretary (Mr R. Rangiheuea). Mr Downes, Brigade Superintendent, was also in attendance. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

The Superintendent’s report was read)as follows:

During the quarter one call was received to a rubbish fire, particulars of which were furnished. The fire engine and all the gear is in good order. There are 15 officers and men and one messenger, and the attendance at practice has been very good. We still hold the weekly practice, but, owing to the inclement weather, have not been able to undertake out-of-door practice. The Brigadesmen are all keen at (he work, and are becoming fairly proficient in their duties. All the fire plugs have been overhauled during the quarter, and I have had three raised owing to same being covered over with growth and dirt and often being difficult to find. The water pressure gauge has been installed at the station and daily reading has been taken. Some of the men have expressed a wish for new uniforms as their present ones are fairly worn out. The Chairman said that he would like to see the next meeting of the Board held in the evening in order that members could meet the Brigade at a social function. The Board did not wish members of the Brigade to think that they were regarded merely as machines, but rather desired to keep in personal touch with them and let them see that the Board appreciated the fact that the men were risking their limbs and life in the interests of the people' of the district. It was decided that the next quarterly meeting of the Board be held on the evening of December 10th, when a smoke concert will be held, at which the Brigade will be entertained.

The question of providing ten or twelve new uniforms, as required, was left in the hands of the local members, with power to act. It was decided that uniforms were not to be used for purposes other than brigade work, unless by permission of the Superintendent. NEW MEMBER, Mr J. L. Christie was elected a member of the Brigade. RESIGNATION. The resignation as a member of the Board, was received from Mr H. Filmer (Wellington), owing to his having to leave for England at an early date. The Chairman expressed his personal regret at Mr Filmer's departure. He had always been of great assistance in connection with Board matters. ITe was a fine insurance friend to the speaker and a gentleman. His fair criticism and assistance had always been of the greatest value.

It was decided that the resignation of Mr Filmer be accepted with regret, and that a letter be written to him expressing thanks for assistance rendered by* him during hjs term of office. GENERAL. The repairing and varnishing of the fire engine was left in the hands of the local committee.