FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3774, 31 March 1928, Page 3

FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

* ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Foxton Fire Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday afternoon, presided over by Mr. F. G. Cray (chairman). There were also present Messrs M. E. PeiTeau, A. H. Clerke, J. K. Hornblow and the secretary (Mr. R. Rangiheuea). An apology for absence was tendered on behalf of Mr. E. Parkin. ELECTION CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Messrs Hornblow and Perreau, Mr. F. G. Cray was unanimously reflected chairman and special reference was made to the excellent services rendered by Mr. Cray during the past year. In responding, Mr. Cray said that this would be the last year that he woul drepresent the Underwriters’ Association on the Fire Board. Much work had been done this year in arranging the renewal of the loan which he was pleased to say had been satisfactorily accomplished. He thanked members for their co-operation. RENEWAL OF LOAN. The chairman explained the steps taken in re the renewal of the loan which is for the sum of £llsO for a period of five years from March 31st inst at 6 per cent. Debentures for the amount have been taken up by the previous 'debenture-holders.—The chairman’s action was endorsed. GENERAL. It was decided to inform the Brigade that the Board deprecates the making of honorary members and asks for information on this point. It was pointed out that brigadesmen had the right to invite a friend to the station for social purposes, which should obviate honorary members. In reply to the chairman, Mr. Perreau said the Borough Council 'were satisfied with the Board’s levy and administration during the past year. The pruchase of an electric lamp and two smoke masks were left in the hands of the chairman. The appointment of Mr. A. W. O. Stevenson as superintendent was confirmed, and complimentary references made to his services. The local members were instructed to have the engine-room lined and a light installed in the workroom. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. - The chairman’s annual report was read and adopted as follows : “Station and Plant. —The brigade has in hand 1000 feet of good hose and about 1500 feet of well worn hose, which can be used for practice purposes, 1 fire bell, 1 siren, 2 extinguishers, 1 fire engine, station furnishings, equipment and ing fire plant. “Fires. —During the year there have been 10 fires recorded the particulars of which are as follows: — 4 grass, 1 rubbish, and 5 partially serious fires. Of the latter 1 in Park Street which slightly damaged a washhouse, 1 in Reeve Street, which caused little damage to house and front room wall paper, 1 in Cook Street which totally destroyed shed and charabanc, 1 in Johnston 'Street which partially destroyed two scutchers and two teasing machines, 1 in', Lady’s Mile, which slightly scorched one wall and door of washhouse. “Brigade Efficiency.—Owing to the efforts of" 1 ' the newly appointed Superintendent the efficiency of the brigade during the year has been well maintained, notwithstanding the numerous changes in its personnel, and we are assured that the ratepayers of Foxton are being well provided with complete fire protection. “Fire engine.—The engine, continues to give satisfaction. “Billiard Table. —The table has recently been renovated and continues to provide means of social recreation to the members of the brigade. “Finance. —The statement of receipts and expenditure and other accounts show the financial transactions of the Board during the year. “Thanks.—The Board desires to record its thanks to the police for their assistance on all occasions, and to the Press for publirity given to Board matters.

“In conclusion I desire to express the appreciation of the Board of the services rendered by Inspector Hugo, whose assistance has, at all times been of value to the Board, and to tender my sincere thanks to my colleagues for their loyal support during the year. “I desire to recognise the services of the members of the brigade and to mark their proficiency in the performance of their duties. The officers and members of the brigade are entitled to the thanks of the people of Foxton, who possess in them a valuable asset. I also wish to express my appreciation of the services of the secretary whose work has been performed in a very satisfactory manner during the year.” SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The Superintendent’s report was read and adopted as follows: — “Alarm.— During the year ten calls have been attended of which four were grass, one rubbish and five partially serious fires, details of which I have already submitted. “Plant. —All the plant has been thoroughly overhauled and is in good working order. The plant consists of one fire engine, 1000 feet of good hose, 1500 feet of secondhand hose principally used for practice, 15 canvas buckets, 15 pouch-

es, 15 axes, 15 belts, 1 extension ladder, 12 dress and 20 working uniforms, 3 hydrants, (5 branches, 4 unions, 16 helmets, 15 spanners, 1 hand pump, and various parts of old gear. Some of the hose is getting the. worse for wear, but can be used on a second hydrant at a fire which would mean dividing the , pressure. “Personnel. —The number of members in the brigade is as follows: —15 firemen and one messenger 1 . During the year the men were .very keen at the "work. “Inspection, —• Inspector Hugo paid a visit of inspection and was well satisfied with the way in which the men carried out their duties and also with the tidy appearance of the station. “Thanks. —The members of the brigade wish to thank the Board for their donation towards the expenses of the delegate who attended the recent conference at New Plymouth and for the improvements at the station, which have added, in no uncertain measure, to the comfort and convenience of the brigade.” INSPECTOR’S REPORT. Captain Hugo, inspector of Fire Brigades, reported as follows: — “An inspection of the Foxton Brigade and its equipment was made on the 27th instant when at the inspection muster there was present the Superintendent, Deputy and 10 firemen, these, with 2 on leave, accounting for the full membership. The inspection drills were rarried out in a willing and satisfactory manner, the equipment is in good condition and the station in good and better order than hitherto. The stock of fire hose is insufficient and at least another three hundred feet of nmv hose is required. A better and more uniform method of marking the positions of the street' fire hydrants is very necessary and is a matter that should receive prompt atteiition. I have to again recommend installation of a more powerful syren, directly connected to an operating switch fixed in the telephone exchange room. It is a usual custom for the volunteer fire police corps to parade at these annual inspections, but upon this occasion no member of that corps was present.” The report was adopted and it was decided to order 300 ft. of hose. A sum was placed on the estimates for the purchase of a syren, and to connect same with telephone exchange. ESTIMATES. The estimates for the year were approved as follows: — Sinking Fund 2 per cent, on £7OO £l4, 12 per cent, on £450 £54, a total of £6B; interest 6 per cent, on £llsO, £69; secretary’s salary, £SO; office exes., £2O; travelling exes., £ls; phone rent and bureau, £ls; insurances, £35; light, heat and t fuel, £25; brigade equipment and uniform, £ls; hose, £45; plant maintenance and repairs, £ls; borough council plant, £3 12s 8d; brigade demonstration, £5; boot allowance, £5; electric syren and P.O. connections, £SO; depreciation, £SO;. station cleaning, £6; station lining, £l2 17s 4d; contingencies, £3O, a total of £534 10s. The above amount will be reduced by £7O unexpended from last year, making the total to be levied £464 10s. Accounts amounting to £157 6s 9d were passed for payment. A bonus of £5 was passed to the secretary for extraordinary services connected with the renewal of loan, i A letter of appreciation was received from Mr. R. McMurray re the services of the Brigade and other matters of minor importance Avere dealt with.