TEMUKA TOWN BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2722, 9 October 1894, Page 3

TEMUKA TOWN BOARD.

A special meeting of the above board was held last night. Present—-Messrs G. Mason (chairman), P. Coira, R. B. Comer, and M. Scannell. The chairman stated that the meeting was held to consider the position of the board with regard to the Fire Brigade. He read the correspondence given above. The chairman stated that he had asked the clerk to prepare a statement of the amounts paid by the board to the brigade, from which it appeared that the following sums had been paid in connection with the brigade; 1884 ■] £ 8 d June 30th 1 18 3 0 1885 [ March 4th j 1885 S November * 12 9 9 1886 February _ 1886 June, July, „ October > 81 J u 1887 February Year Ending 1 36 11 0 31/3/1888 / ”• ' A „ ' 1889 4° 17 2 1890 11 11 0 1891 26 I 9 1892 12 o 0 1893 36 11 0 1894 36 11 0 May to ) _ September > 4o 4 0 1894 ) Total ... £357 7 2 Mr Coira drew attention to the fact that whore laage amounts had been paid there had been special grants for well trials, repairs to wells, uniforms, etc. The brigade had not actually received anything like that amount as actual subsidy. The clerk stated that the amounts put down were those appearing in the balance sheet as chargeable to the fire brigade account. Mr Coira also mentioned that there was a considerable item also for hose.

1 Mr Scannell said it was apparent the brigade had practically received all the subsidy they were entitled to. He further considered that there was no formal recognition of the brigade before them. The clerk stated that he had made no formal notification to the brigade of the proceedings of the board at last meeting, and farther that the fire brigade account had only been handed in at the last minute, after the customary hour for the reception of accounts. He had treated the account as one simply deferred for consideration.

Mr Scannell enquired as to what their posifion was now.

The chairman hardly kn ew. There was no actual resignation, yet, he understood, the brigade had practically resigned. He could not but think the brigade had acted hastily. Mr Comer concurred. He felt the biigade might have adopted the idea of a conference.

In the course of a desultory discussion that ensued it was stated that the whole of the brigade plant belonged to the board and wonld have to be handed over in the event of an actual resignation. Members looked upon it somewhat in the light of a “ strike.” If the accounts were paid then the brigade would go on. Mr Coira suggested that the captain be asked to interview the board and arrange a basis of settlement.

Mr Scannell saw no necessity for a conference. It would be better to have something definite at once If the brigade were called upon to hand over the plant, there could be little difficulty in organising a fresh brigade at no more expense than formerly. The chairman considered it was a question as to whether the letters were to be accepted as a resignation or not. On the motion of Mr Scannell, it was resolved —“That the resignation of the brigade, as per letter of the 6th, be accepted, and that the captain bo requested to hand over forthwith to the chairman and treasurer of the town board, the plant, books, uniforms, and funds now in the possession of the brigade,” PBESH PROPOSALS. The question of the establishment of a new brigade was discussed. It was suggested that a meeting of the ratepayers could be convened to discuss the formation of the brigade, and the basis upon which such a brigade could be established. This suggestion was adopted, and the chairman was empowered for the safety of the public to make arrangements for the employment of several competent men to take charge of the engine in case of fire.

It was decided that the chairman convene a meeting of ratepayers as soon as convenient after the handing over of the plant.