FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3922, 23 March 1929, Page 3

FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING.

The seventh annual meeting of the Foxton Fire Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday when there were present: Messrs A. H. Cjerke and C. J. Gray (Insurance Company representatives from Wellington), Mr. M. E. Pererau (representing the Foxton Borough Council) and the secretary (Mr. R. ORangiheuea). Apologies for jatbsence were received from Messrs J. K. Homblow (Governlment representative) and John Ross (the neWly appointed Foxton Borough Council representative).

The secretary read the various appointments from the official notice from the Department of Internal Affairs and duly called for nominations for the office of chairman. In proposing Mr. A. H. Clerko for the position of chairman Mr. Perreau said that the nominee was eminently familiar with the duties appertaining to the administration and requirements of the Board arid was in touch with the Underwriters’ Association and Department.

Mr. A. H. Gierke was unanimously elected chairman. ANNUAL REPORT. Mr. F. G. Cray’s annual report was read and adopted as follows: — “The personnel of the board during the year ended ' March. 31st, 1929, was as follows: — Mr. John K. Horriblow, appointed by the Government; |Mr. Frederick G. Cray and Mr. A. H. Clerke, appointed ,by the Insurance Co’s.; Mr. Mark E. Perreau iand Mr. Edwin Parkin, appointed by the Foxton Borough Council; Mr. F. G. Cray was unanimously elected chairman. “Meetings: —During the year the Board held three statuory meetings, the attendance thereat being as follows: — Mr. John K. Hornblow, 3; Mr. F. G. Cray, 2; Mr. A. H. Gierke, 2; Mr. M. E. Perreau, 3; Mr. E. Parkin, 2. “Station and Plant: —The brigade has in hand 1200 feet of good hose and about 1000 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 existing fire plant. “Fires: —During the year there have been 9 fires recorded, the 1 particulars of which are as follows: — Four grass fires including two outside the area and 5 material ones including tfwo that were beyond the limits of the area. Of the latter 1 in Main Street which totally destroyed Mr. C. 0. Speirs’s shops, 1 in Union Street which partially damaged Mr. J. Hofiflman’s residence, 2 in Purcell Street outside the area which caused much damage to Mr. Alex; Ross’s private garage, car and house, I in Coley Street which rendered Mr. G. P. Walker’s residence uninhabitable. “Brigade efficiency: —‘The effitei ency of the Brigade during the year has been well maintained, notwithstanding the numerous changes in its personnel, and I am assured by my colleagues who are in continual touch with the brigade and its doings that the present officers are giving entire satisfaction and that the ratepayers are well provided with complete fire protection. “Fire Engine:—The engine with its newly installed siren 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 as set out on the followin'' pages hereof show the financial transactions of the Board during the year. “Thanks:-—The Board desired to record its thanks to the police for their assistance on all occasions, and to the Press for publicity 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. .1 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 during the year been performed Jn a very satisfactory manner.” — Adopted. SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT. The Superintendent (Mr. A. Stevenson) reported as follows: — “I have the honour to submit my second annual report as follows:--Alarm: During the year nine calls have been attended of which four were grass and five house fires, details of which I have already furnished. The past year’s operations are the most onerous recorded in the history of the Brigade, due largely to the exceptional dry summer season experienced. Plant: The whole of phe plant has been thoroughly overhauled and is in good working order. The plant consists of 1 fire engine, 1200 ft. of good hose, ioOOft. of second-hand hose principally used for practice, 15 canvas buckets, 16 pouches, axes and belts, 1 extension ladder, 12 dress unifprims and 20 working uniforms, 3 hydrants, 6 branches, 4 unions, 16 heimpts, 16 spanners, 1 hand pump, 1 siren, 1 mask .Jielmet and yarious parts of old gear. Personnel : fbe number of mem-

bers in the Brigade is as follows: 15 firemen and 1 messenger. The discipline and efficiency of the service has been well maintained, and on the whole the staff is taking keen interest in their duties. 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, Thankls: The members of the brigade wish to thank the Board for their donation towards the expense of the team and delegate who attended the recent U.F.B.A. Demonstration and Conference at Hokitika and for improvements at the station, which have added, in no uncertain measure, to the comfort and convenience of the .brigade.” THE ESTIMATES. The estimates for the coming year were given careful consideration and the figures approved of was £540 12/8.

The chairman commented that the estimates for the ensuing year showed a slight decrease on previous years which would no doubt be appreciated by Foxton residents. At the conclusion of the annual meeting the ordinary quarterly meeting .was held. SUPERINTENDENT’S RESIGNATION. The Superintendent (Mr. A. Stevenson) tendered his resignation owing to being unable to give the necessary time to the work. Mr. Perreau expressed regret at the resignation of Mr. Stevenson. The Board very much appreciated his services. He had been a good and popular Superintendent and the Board deplored his loss. The chairman said it was a great pity Mr. Stevenson was leaving the brigade. He was a fine type of man to have in a brigade and had done splendid work during his term as Superintendent. The resignation was accepted with regret and the matter of electing a new Superintendent was held over until the next meeting. 'Deputy H. Reid to carry on in the meantime. Accounts lamouating to £2OO 5s 7d were passed for payment.