OTAKI FIRE BOARD.

Shannon News, 1 February 1929, Page 1

OTAKI FIRE BOARD.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Otaki Fire Board, adjourned from December loth on account of there being no quorum, was held on Thursday, there being present Messrs F. Cray (chairman), A. H. Gierke, E. Irvine, 11. ! Nieoison, and H. M. Thomson (secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr. H. Taylor. The chairman regretted that owing to his illness the meeting had been adjourned, but, unfortunately, after leaving hospital, he had met with a motor mishap, thus further delaying matters. After the confirming of the minutes Mr. Thomson reported that the electric motor had been sold to Mr. C. G. Jones. The matter of forming a police corps was discussed but on account of the meeting being hurriedly arranged it had been impossible to have a “ swear-ing-inceremony.—lt was decided that: members of the fire police be sworn in at the next meeting. The (Superintendent’s report showed that there had been no fires during the quarter. The following accounts were passed for. payment: —Telephone rentals to 31/3/29, £5 8s fid; Horowhenua Electric Power Board (lighting out-side light for quarter ending 30/9/28),, I9s sd; Horowhenua Electric Power Board (current account to 4/10/28), £2 16s 8d; N.Z. Government, purchase flagpole, 7s 6d; interest due 2/11/28, £45; sinking fund £3O; travelling expenses ClerkQ, September meeting, 16s 7d, Cra'y> June meeting 16s 7d; U.F.B.A. insurance £3 4s fid; “Otaki Mail,” advertising re fire police, 14s; Otaki Borough Council, heating during auditing in office, £1; total £9l 4s 3d. The secretary reported that he had received a communication from the Interim! Affairs Department to the effect that it would be necessary for the Board to have a clause incorporated in next year’s Local Legislation Bib validating the loan raised by the Board in 1925 without Ministerial authority.—Left to the secretary to attend to. Presentation. Mr. Cray regretted that on account of ill-health lie was obliged to relinquish hig duties as a member of the Board, but he desired to take the opportunity of thanking the secretary for his valuable assistance. He felt his retirement very keenly. He desired also to thank his colleagues for their assistance, and hoped that the Board would continue to prosper. He expressed a hope that the peojfie of Otaki would complete the drainage and not allow thousands of pounds left idle underground. Mr. Cray stated that he would always have an interest in Otaki, and hoped that the Fire Board woulc continue to prosper on sound lines. H-( also expressed appreciation at the help of the Press, and said that he hau . stablished a friendship with people in Otaki which would last a life-time. . In referring to the secretary Mr. Cray considered that Mr. Thomson had done, -plendkl work —work that had been a credit to himself and a pleasure to himself (the speaker). Mr. Irvine, on behalf of the Board asked Mr. Cray’s acceptance of a case of pipes, and in doing so said all feh very sorry that Mr. Cray was severing his* connection with the Board. His visit to Otaki that day had been unexpected, otherwise members of the Board and Brigade would have met to have made the presentation. The Bri gade, however, wished to forward theii best wishes. Mr. Irvine expressed plea suure at the fine work done by Mr. Cray, and trusted that he would live long to enjoy life. Mr. Thomson and Mr. Nicolson endorsed the remarks, and spoke highly of the efficient services rendered by Mr. Gray. Both trusted that he would soon bo restored to good health, and expressed great regret that he had been obliged to relinquish his duties as a member of the. Board.

Mr. C'lcrke, of Wellington, said tha, he was very pleased to see. that Mr Cray jiad not bcerf forgotten,- and en dorsod remarks made by previous speakers. He regarded Mr. Cray as a very valuable membeiyof the Board and one who could be,'ill-spared. He had been associated with'Mr. Cray for some time and regretted his retirement. Mr. Cray "feelingly replied, and stated that the present Svas quite unexpected. The Board and Brigade had been most loyal, and he wished them well. Both had done splendid work and he hoped his best wishes would be conveyed to dlie Superintendent (Mr. Cockrell) and members of the Brigade for their good work and great assistance. His colleague (Mr. Clerke) had also been loyal and given him great assistance.