SHANNON VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Shannon News, 6 September 1929, Page 3

SHANNON VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Shannon Fir Brigade was held in the Fire Station on Monday evening, Superintendent J. Curran presiding over a good attendance of members.

A WELCOME INTERLUDE

Prior to the commencement of the business, the Miranui Ball- Committee waited on the Brigade, when Mr T. Watson handed to them the sum of £7 3s 2d, being the nett proceeds from their recent ball. He said the Committee had decided when arranging the ball that, should there be any profits, the money was to be donated to the Brigade. The biggest part of credit, he said, was due to Mrs Rawlinson for the satisfactory result. Superintendent Jas. Curran in returning thanks for the handsome donation, said it was pleasing to find an outside body assisting the Brigade and he hoped that it would be the first of many. If other bodies assisted in a like manner they would soon have an up-to-date Brigade. Other members endorsed his remarks. SECRETARY'S REPORT.

The Secretary (Mr 11. Hook) iu his report stated that during the past year the Brigade had made steady progress. New material such as one hydrant, two nozzles and some, hose has been added to the plant. The new fire station was vested in the Council during the year, while the donation of chairs, etc.," for the building by local citizens was a kind and thoughtful action and was much appreciated by the Brigade members. It was actions of this kind that give the brigadesmen encouragment 'to. carry. on. The Brigade has been fortunate in having such a keen and energetic Superintendent as. Mr Jas. Curran jun., and thanks are due to him for the interest he lias taken in

Brigade matters. During the past year a series of dances held to obtain funds to help the Brigade through, proved a success and members thank those of the public who gave their support and help. He was sorry to say that after a long illness the death took place of Mr Jas. Douglas, who had rendered good work in the erection of the new fire station, liis death being keenly

felt bv members. During the coming year it is hoped that the Brigade will .become affiliated- to the N.Z. Fire Brigades Association; also to insure firemen against accident when, on_ duty and to procure uniforms, as it is not right that ,a fireman should,: attend a

fife and have his civil clothes destroyed. Four outbreaks of fire, were 'attended, the Brigade doing good work in each case with the water available. All the members had shown keen interest in their Work and they are deserv-

ing of the support of the public. Thanks were due to His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Butt) for donating a bag for the Secretary' s books and to Mr Thomson for the use of his motor lorry.

BALANCE SHEET. . The balance sheet submitted showed that the Brigade commenced the past year with a credit balance of 3s 3d and after purchasing more gear, they finished up the year with a credit balance of. £5 7s 6d, which together with the donation of £7 3s 2d received that evening from the Miranui Ball Committee, made a total of £l2 10s lOd

to commence the ensuing year's work. Superintendent Curran said it was pleasing to know that they are in a better position than this time last year. They now had their own room, more gear and were better off financially. He hoped that they would be able to raise sufficient funds to purchase uniforms as he felt sure they would be a help in the eyes of the public Each uniform would cost £3 10s and he felt sure that if this matter was placed before the public they would come forward and assist them. After Superintendent Curran and Lieutenant Bovis had complimented the secretary (Mr H. Hook), on the able,manner in which he had presented the report and balance sheet they were adopted. . „ . ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:—Patron, the Mayor (Mr E. Butt); Superintendent Mr A Hill; Lieutenant,. Mr H. Hook; Foremen F. Haley and H. Woodmass; secretary and treasurer, Mr 11. Hook; Branchmcn, Messrs R. Roberts and 1. Morse; assistant Branchmen, Messrs W Guy and H. Curran; hydrant men, Messrs"A. Thomson and R. Peach; scel-

men Messrs Rawlinson and IT. Curran. APPRECIATION OF SERVICES. To mark their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by the retiring Superintendent, Mr Jas. Curran, iun-.. the Brigade, on the motion of Mr J. T. Bovis, seconded by Mr B. Down-

cs, decided to place in the minute book a motion expressing a glowing tribute to Mr Curran for his services to the Brigade since its inception; also that a letter be forwarded to Mrs Curran thanking her for the support she hac, accorded the Superintendent in his

aood work. Mr Curran'was also made a life member of the Brigade. The movers of the motion said there was no doubt that the formation of the Brigade and the healthy position in which it stands to-day are largely due to the efforts of Mr Curran. He Was mainly instrumental in getting the present fire station erected and his resignation'as Superitendent was to b? regretted by all. He had set a standard which 'future superintendents will find it hard to live up to. The secretary (Mr H. Hook) was also accorded thanks f?>r his work, the members considering themselves fortunate in getting his services. Mr Curran, in returning thanks, said the work had been a pleasure to him, it having been made light by the assistance received from members. Now that the Brigade was established he felt sure it would prosper.

NEW MEMBERS.

The following new members were

elected:—Messrs P. Morse, F. Peach, T. Watson, A. McEwen and L. Gray. GENERAL. Thanks were accorded Messengers G. Radford and M. Taylor for their work in keeping the Brigade rooms in order. It was decided to make a donation to Mr F. Thomson for benzine for the use of his lorry when attending fires.