NEW PLYMOUTH FIRE BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1917, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH FIRE BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETEfb. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Fire Board was held on Friday evening, when there were present: Messrs E. P. Webster (chairman), E. W. Garner, J. R. Hill, J. Pa-ton, and L. M. Mon.teath (secretary). SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.

Superintendent F. C. J. Bellringer presented the following annual report:— At the present time the strength of the brigade is: New Plymouth, 20 firemen and two auxiliaries, and of these five reside at the Central Station and the station keeper ih his quarters; Fitzroy, 11 firemen and one auxiliary- total. 32 firemen,

During the year 18 calls were received at the station, against 14 for the previous year, making an increase of four. Of these the following were the Jnost important: Theatre Royal, Boys' High School, F. S. Butler. Newton King's block. In addition to 'thue call? the brigade also niet for 24 practices and meetings, making the total number of musters for the year 42. There are at the present time 12 firemen on active service. Two of these have 'been invalided home, namely, R, Bowie and G. Beu.

The Inspector of Fire Brigades, Mr. Hugo, has inspected the brigades and plant on several occasions during the year. The addition of the Detinis turbine motor has been most welcome, and now places the brigade in a very satisfactory position in case of a large outbreak of fire or should the town water reticulation become disorganised,. The workiitg pressure of the water has satisfactory, having at all times averaged 1001b in the business area. I

The approximate insurance on property attended was £33, MS, and the loss on same as far as could be ascertained was £10,500. The estimated loss of property not covered by insurance amounted to £16.000; tire estimated of property on Which fires occurred, £61,820.

GENERAL. With regard to the funds accruing from the sale of the old station, the chairman moved that the net proceeds, approximating £IOSO, be, lodged with the board's bankers on deposit for the purpose of a'ssiting in completing the purchase of the new Central Station when opportunity arose.—Seconded by Mr, Paton and carried. * It was decided to instruct the architect, to arrange for the painting of the roof of the Central Station. A hearty vote of' thanks was passed to the officers and men of the New Plymouth Brigade and the Fitzray branch for their valuable services during the year. Accounts and estimates for the year 1017-18 were passed.