VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 12 March 1952, Page 5

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

A meeting of the Tokaanu Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in Ford's Store, Tokaanu on March 4, when the Superintendent, Mr B. Sutherland was in the chair. The following members were present, Messrs B. Edkins, P. Dempsey, F. Hill, A. Withington, J. Dempsey, H. Gee and V. J. Ford (secretary). Concerning the proposed visit to Tokaanu by the secretary of the Auckland District United Fire Brigades Association: Owing to the United Fire Brigades Conference being held in Palmerston North at present and Mr Kirkbride's intention to visit Napier after same, he would not be in a position to advise us when his visit to Tokaanu is likely to eventuate until late ths month. The 52nd. Annual Conference and Demonstration is to be held at Mangakino on April 11 and 12 next, but as Tokaanu is not entering a team or would be represented at the conference and Demonstration no action was taken. The balance sheet of the Auckland District United Fire Brigades Association for the year ending December 31 last was received. As the tender was in need of mechanical repairs and the trailer required welding these units to be taken to the local garage immediately for attention. Apologies for absence were received from the Rev. Father Arts, Messrs H. Buxton, H. B. Proctor and H. Mariu. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair. The superintendent in his report reviewed the year's activities and statistics. "During the last fifteen months, since our last annual general meeting, the brigade has attended fifteen fires of various natures. The worst one, which could have led to very serious proportions, was at Taylor's Lodge on the 21st. February of last year. In that damage to plant and buildings was approximately £850 but I also consider that even a chimney fire in a dwelling could lead to similar dangerous proportions. "During the year we have had six resignations due to moving population but we are fortunate in having new members come along to take their place and thus keep up the roll strength. Attendances at meetings, practices, etc., on the average have been fair. From November 29, 1950 to date members have been required to turn out twenty-nine times. It may be of interest to note that. fires, meetings, practices and painting of the Brigade Station are all marked on the roll. The average attendance per man was 6.3. Although the Fire Station was built over one year ago the painting has still to be completed and I would be pleased if this can be accomplished before the end of the warm weather. "One very disappointing feature is the almost total lack of support from the Turangi area, where, with their closer settlement and buildings surrounded by scrub it would be in their interests if they were to show more enthusiasm. It is hoped that the siren will be shortly obtained and erected in the Hotel grounds. "This year, our members are insured against accident whilst on duty which is a step in the right direction and we have also affiliated with the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand and the Auckland Branch United Fire Brigades' Association. We now also have a first aid kit which is to be carried on the tender to each fire and I am pleased to state that as yet we have had no occasion to use it — may this continue to be the case. "Two of our members have had spells in hospital and I am pleased to say that they are again with us. "The equipment appears to be in fair working order with the exception of some lengths of hose which require patching. The tender engine has caused a bit of trouble during the season but as the machine has apparently had hard work from its

inception we can always expect to have a bit of trouble with it from time to time. "In conclusion I wish to thank the secretary for his honorary work which has taken up quite a lot of his time and also those who have supported the brigade in the past and we will also welcome any additional members. Thank you." The report was adopted. Nominations were then called for Superintendent, Deputy (Superintendent, Secretary and Foreman. The following were all unanimously reelected: Messrs B. Sutherland, Superintendent; H. B. Proctor, Deputy Superintendent; V. J. Ford, Secretary and Frank Hill, Foreman. New members elected were, Messrs A. 'Maricich, W. Hetet, G. Tomsett, G. Tarbutt and N. Chhibha, It was resolved that all meeting reports go forward to the Taupo Times newspaper for publication. The following rules to be added to the Brigade's rules: — 1. "Trailer pump to proceed to any fire five minutes after the departure of Fire Tender. 2. Meetings to be held once a month and such meetings to take place on the first Tuesday of each month. The secretary was instructed to make application for six sets of refills for foam extinguishers. After a discussion relative to the testing of hoses for repairs a muster of members is to be called for Monday next, March 10, and assemble at Fire Station for this purpose. The meeting then concluded with the usual acclamation accorded the chair.