OTAKI VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 14 April 1920, Page 3

OTAKI VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of members of the above "was held at the fire station, Otald, on Monday night last, when Gaptaiu Bassett presided. Tho election of officers resulted as under:—Captain, Mr W. Bassett; first lieutenant, Mr E. Irvine; second lieutenant, Mr E. Batten; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Cockrell. The resignation of ->ir Ron. Batherley, on account of leaving the district, was accepted with regret. Annual Report. The secretary (Mr Cockrell) read the

I annual report, which was as under: — I “Having overcome the initial difficulties attendiug the formation of tho brigade during tho first year of its existence, the members were early in its second year put to the test by being called out to extinguish a fire in a house occupied by Mr G. Rcnwick. Unfortunately the fire had too firm a hold before the alarm was given, and the building became a total loss. Borne of the. members and the majority of the public at once thought and spoke of tho brigade and its appliances as useless and a waste of money, and brigade shares fell very low in the market. However, we were given a second chance, and on the night of the 22nd of November were called on to extin-

guish a fire in the engine-room of Brights’ Theatre. The members responded promptly to the call, and we wore completely successful in extinguishing the outbreak. Again at midnight two nights later tho syren sounded, this time for a fire at tho Otaki Railway, and again the members responded well, and although unable to save the building in which the firo started (the best equipped brigade on

earth could not have done that), we were able to stop the fire spreading across the road and destroying other property. On this occasion the value of the two-hand pumps wore well demonstrated. Messrs Bills and Moore on this occasion conveyed the chemical engine and other apparatus to the fire behind their motor lorry, thus saving much valuable time. We are pleased to report that the brigade’s efforts on these occasions were recognised by two gentlemen to the extent of £1 Is each. One was an entirely disinterested person, who seeing tho good work of the brigade gave the donation hoping that others would do likewise, and the other was owner of one. of the properties saved.

“The Town Board subsidised the brigudo to the amount of £25, and paid the annual subscription of the UiF.B. Association, also paying the accident insurance fees for the brigade on the lower scale, the brigade making up the amount to insure on the higher scale, so that, every member is now insured against accident, at cither fire or praclice.

“Several resignations of members have been received during the year. Lieut. Hill and his successor. Lieut. "Wells, and Fireman A. E. Anderson all active members, having left the district. There are now IS names on the roll, but several of these have really forfeited membership, as they have been absent from a number of meetings. but the majority of them can be relied ou to turn ont to a fire. During the year Mr Hone McMillan very generously allowed the brigade the use of the theatre and provided a picture,, the members taking the management, of the evening. The result was very gratifying, aiul a sum of £l7 7s 9d was added to the brigade funds, less about £2 17s for expenses. Mr McMillan was heartily thanked for his generosity, as well ns the various members of the brigade who assisted by paying for printing. advertising, etc. Mr McMillan has promised to give us another piciuro night later on. The brigade is still owing Mr St. George £25 for the bal-

unce of purchase money on the brigade room, and it is hoped the new exeeutivo will be able to devise means of paying this off. Trusting the new executive will have as successful a year as this b:o been.”

General Business. Mention was made of the fact that, owing to resignations for various reasons. there are now vacancies for several new firemen. The' officers will be pleased to hear o£ auy who are willing to join the "brigade.

Mr Mathie applied for his second bar for service. The brigade recommended

this being granted. After discussion it w-as resolved to make application to the Otaki Town Board for a renewal of the last year’s subsidy from that body.