NELSON FIRE BRIGADE

Nelson Evening Mail, 16 September 1916, Page 3

NELSON FIRE BRIGADE

JUBILEE YEAR, The annual meeting of the Nelson Fire Brigade was held at the station last night. Captain Woodward -presiding. After the usual business the election of officers took place, and all the officers were re-elected. Captain Woodward reviewed the work I of the past year, and complimented the men on the efficient manner in which Uiev had performed their work. He 1 *aid there had been two 'big fires during the year, at one of which—the Alexandra Home fire—the brigade was helpless- for lack of water. Had there been a sufficient supply of water at the Alexandra Home, he felt sure the old people would still have been housed in that building. Captain Woodward drew attention to the fact that the brigade had now attained its jubilee, it having 'been established in 1866. He remembered seeing as a lad the first serious fire that occurred in Nelson, when the four central blocks suffpred. Only a manual engine was available at that fire. The wages, paid to the Tien who were employed to grapple with the fire amounted to £120". Captain Woodward mentioned that he had been ?n the brigade for 30 vears, and that he had been its captain for nine years. Referring to Lieutenant Dee, he said he always felt confident when the firebell rang that he would have his active and excellent support. He complimented Treasurer Hounsell on his re-election to j the -nosition which he had filled so efficiently for 22 years without a break. Of Secretary Boves, who bid served for 13 vears w in that office, he also spoke in war mterms of praise. He said the bri2ade was grateful for the way in which the City Council had helped it during tliA past year. He hoped the brigade would remain a volunteer body, because he felt that on those lines it would do 'better work than a paid brigade under a Fire Board. Referring to the call of the war. he said that ten members of the brigade had joined the Expeditionary Forces, of whom seven were now at the front. An other member of the brigade was leaving wi«--h the next Reinforcement dr?_C Members made reference to Captain Woodward's lonar period of service, and spoke of the confidence and respect he had gained among them. A social gathering followed the meeting, Mr R. Gilbert bein gat the piano.