TAIHAPE FIRE BRIGADE.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 October 1918, Page 5

TAIHAPE FIRE BRIGADE.

The usual monthly meeting of the Brigade was held at the Brigade Station last night. Captain Reid presiding over a full attendance. JLA letter acknowledging receipt of a message of condolence on behalf of Mrs. MclAp.an and family was received from Mr W. McLennan. Mr Geo. Parker sent in his resignation as an hon. member of the Brigade, which was not accepted. The Secretary of the Huia orchestra wrote, thanking the Brigade for its generous treatment in connection with the hire of the ball for practising. Fireman W. Claston was granted one months ’ leave of absence.

The Town Clerk acknowledged receipt of £3O for sale of chemical fire engine, and on behalf of the Borough Council invited proposals from the Brigade as to how the money could be utilised in increasing the equipment of the Brigade. It was resolved that it be a recommendation from the Brigade that the sum be used as the nucleus of a fund to purchase a motor car to carry 6 men and hose, with appurtenances and that the Council be asked to subsidise this amount by £2O for the purpose. Captain Reid said a business man in town had offered to sell a Ford chassis for £9O, which would do admirably for the purpose. With the £3O for the engine, £2O from the Council, and £2O from the Brigade funds, they would have no difficulty in raising the balance of £2O among the townspeople. Reid said the Council was sympathetic in its attitude to any efforts the Brigade made in improving its fire-fighting appliances.

After seme discussion ;a committee was appointed consisting of Captain Eeid, Lieutenant Mortland and Foreman Eussell to examine the motor car and report.

Captain Eeid in reply to a letter from the B'orough Council with reference to the storage of oxygen and ammonia cylinders in the town, said oxygen cylinders were stored at the foundry, and Motors Limited; that there were no ammonia cylinders In the borough; and that compressed gas cylinders were stored at both hotels, and the Marble Bar and the King’s refreshment rooms. ;

Mr Stevens, who has finished his probation, was admitted a member of the Brigade. The captain addressed •to the newly elected member a few Sards of encouragment and advice rto his duties. * Some discussion ensued as to the

of certain members in attending practices.,and meetings, and it was decided to rigidly enforce the rules in connection therewith. Three members were struck off the roll on account of non-attendance. The Acting Borough Engineer stated his willingness to give instruction to any members of the brigade in the management of the fire alarms and Firemen Corkill and Casey elected to take a course of lessons Captain Reid said the Taumarunui Fire Brigade was holding a tournament on Labour Day, and had asked the local brigade to send teams to compete-

The members were unanimous in their desire to send teams to compete in the various events, and Foreman Russell and Fireman Howens offered to give the necessary coachiur;. Foremen Begg and Casey were appointed for Town Hall duty for the coming month.

It was decided that as the summer months were approaching the brigade hold meetings and practices on the first, second and third Tuesdays in each month.

Just before the meeting adjourned Reid took farewell of the members of the- Brigade, saying that Sir James Allen had sent him a free railway ticket to go to Wellington, and he would be taking advantage of this concession in about nine days. He was going to the war, and hoped that when he came back he would see the same smiling faces as were gathered round the table that night. (Applause). The meeting then adjourned.