OPOTIKI FIRE BOARD

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1047, 18 November 1947, Page 3

OPOTIKI FIRE BOARD

MR. D. MILLER ELECTED CHAIRMAN A meeting of the . Opotiki Fire Board was held on 30th. October. Present: Messrs. D. B. Miller, T. G. Johnson, T. J. Webb, R. A. Wilson, and M. Camming, with the secretary (Mr. F. J. Mohr) and the superintendent (G. Peagram) in attendance. Election of Chairman: Mr. Miller was nominated by Mr. -Gumming and seconded by Mr. Wilson. There being no other nomination, Mr. Miller was declared elected chairman for the remainder of the year.

The minutes of meetings held oil 23rd. April, 1047, and 25th. August, 10-17 were read and confirmed. _ Progress was reviewed with the. following results:(a) Provision of new uniforms: Not yet to hand. Boots: Mr. Gumming reported that -his enquiries indicated that there was no likelihood of such a small order being fulfilled. He outlined the ' suggestion he had made to the N.Z. Fire Boards’ Association re the placing of a bulk order to meet the requirements of firemen throughout the Dominion. As yet, no rc'ply from the association. Belts, hatchets and pouches, and helmets: All articles ordered, except some sizes in helmets, to hand.

■(d) Waterproof coats: Matteldropped.

Painting interior of station: Mr. Wilson and ot her members complimented the brigade on tile work done. The board, on the motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Johnson, confirmed that the board would meet the cost, estimated at £3O, of renovating. the billiard table.

(li) Re placement of power and light fittings: Work not yet completed. Mr. Gumming moved and Mr. Wilson seconded, “That the cost of light fittings purchased by the brigade be met by the board”.— Carried.

Protection for Hospital: Agreed that the Borough Council bo asked to confer with the superintendent regarding the location of mains and plugs when the proposed extensions arc being made at the hospital site. Fire Service Reorganisation: Mr. Wilson and Mr. Gumming both spoke on recent developments. Moved by Mr. Gumming, seconded by Mr. Webb, “That Mr. Wilson bo reimbursed one-third of liis expenses in visiting Wellington to attend the conference called by the N.Z. Five Boards’ Assn.”—Carried. Retirement of Messrs. F. J. Short and G. S. Moody: Several members spoke of the good service rendered over many years by these representatives. Moved by Mr Gumming, seconded by Mr. Johnson, “That a letter of appreciation, (hanking them for their services, be sent from the Board .—Carried,

The matter of a presentation and the holding of a suitable function as left in the hands of local members.

New Members: Messrs. T. G Johnson and T. J. Webb were welcomed to the board.

G.O. 2 Extinguishers: After consultation of Mr. Cumniing’s report, it was moved by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr, Johnson, l hat the brigade be equipped with G.O. 2 extinguishers, but that it be left to Mr. Cum mug, after further consultations with the suppliers, to buy one or two as considered necessary.”—Carried. Inward correspondence included a notification from the Department cf Internal Affairs re personnel of board. .

A letter from the O.potiki hire Brigade, dated 20th. June, 1947, asked the board:— 1. To define the board’s attitude towards compensating mcmbcis cf the brigade for damage done to their civilian clothing while attending or cn route to a tire. Moved b } Mr. Johnson, seconded l:-y Mr. Webb, “That every case be dealt with on its merits.”—Carried,

2. To incorporate in their bylaws that a penalty by imposed on owners responsible for chimney fires. It was pointed out that the borough council was the authority concerned. Moved by Mr. .Johnson, seconded by Mr. Wilson, iliat the Opotiki Borough Council be approached on the question of euimney and rubbish fires.” —Carried. 3. To revert to the previous practice of supplying the brigade with a copy of minutes, etc., c£ items pertaining to the brigade. Agreed to. It was moved by. Mr. Camming, seconded by Mr.. Wilson, “That the board meet the superintendents expenses in connection with Ws attendance at the conference.”—Carrid. . A statement of receipts and payments, showing a credit balance of £403 Os 9d as at 28th. October, 3047, was presented by the secretary. The superintendent’s report was “received” on the motion of Mi. Gumming, seconded by Mr. Webb, Repairs to Tower: Mr. Cumming moved, Mr. Wilson seconded, “That the matter be left in. the hands of the local committee with power to act.”— Carried. Alarm switch in Superintendent s house: Moved by Mr. Cumming, seconded by Mr. Wilson, “That the provision of a switch or other device so that the alarm may be sounded by the superintendent from his home, be left in the hands of the chairman.”—Carried. Competitions; The chairman extended congratulations to the brigade on the display at Rotorua on Labour Day. Board’s Insurances: Moved by Mr. Gumming, seconded by Mr. Webb, “That the board’s insurances, except those on the fire sta-

lion building and the sccrelai'y’s fidelity guarantee, be placed with companies in turn each year. Carried. - Superintendent’s Report The following report presented for the period ending 30tli. October, was received from the superintendent, Mr. G. Peagram:— Station: The fire station has been kept clean and tidy during the period. The interior has been repainted by the firemen and now looks excellent. A few small details remain to be done. The grounds are clean and tidy and the right of way has been tar-scalcd.

Fire Engine: The fire engine is in -good order ami has given no trouble during the period. The usual running maintenance has been carried out. Plant and Gear: All the plant and gear arc in first class order. Our quota of new hose has arrived and wc now have approximately 3(JUOft. available for lire lighting. Fire Calls: During the period your brigade has answered 13 calls to fires made up as follows 9 fire calls and 4 false alarms. All calls were answered promptly.

Brigade: The competition team is Yn training and will compete in (he Labour Day competitions at Rotorua. Wo-arc at full strength and ad members are keen and discipline is excellent. During tile period there have been 45 musters made up as follows:—3 meetings, 9 fire calls, 4 false alarms, 26 (practices. General.— During the period we have been troubled with false alarms especially during wet weather This was eventually traced to a 'faulty line and has, now been remedied. Wc have not met with any success to date in the purchase of new uniforms and the position is now desperate. Some members are without uniforms. We arc also anxious about boots and any suggestion or help your board can give will be appreciated. The emergency siren has arrived and been tested, although it is not qmte huge enough, Efforts are being made to procure a larger one The siren tower requires a good oeciha • Stays and bolts need repans to make it safe. Smoke Concert: On the lltli. October the Brigade’s annual smoke concert was held and the function was a great success.