MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10113, 7 October 1910, Page 3

MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY

REPORTS.

The following annual report of Superintendent T. Jenkins, of the Ma3terton Fire Brigade, was presented at the meeting of the Masterton Fire Board yesterday:— "1 have the honour to submit the annual report of tires and matters connected with the working of the Fire Brigade, for year ending 30th June, 1910. The total number of calls was 23 from all sources, as against 44 for last year. No seriouß fires occurred, and in the majority of casas the fires were suppressed in their earlier stages. Estimated value of property in which fires occurred, contents £1255; buildings £1950. Insurances on property in which fires occurred, contents £600; buildings £1025. Estimated loss of property covered by insurance, contents £150; buildings, £620. Estimated loss of property not covered by insurance, contents £175; buildings, £220, Estimated total fire loss for the year, co itents £325; - buldings £B4O. Also an unoccupied residence valued at £BOO and insured for £SOO, situated jiiat outside the Fire District was totally destroyed. Six resignations have been received and seven men enrolled. The following is the present strength of the Brigade:—Superintendent, Deputy-Superintendent, two Foremen, Engine-driver, and eighteen Firemen, the full number allowed by the Board. The discipline of the Brigade has been well maintained, and the attendance of members at fires and practices has bean very satisfactory.

Two official visits have been made by lospector Hugo during the year to test the efficiency of the Brigade. Alter having put the members through various drills, he gave interesting and instructive addresses on matters pertaining to the fire service.

Two minor accidents were received by members while on duty. In each case compensution was received from the U. F. B A. Accident Society, the injuries not being sufficiently serious tt necessitate a claim being made under the Workers' Compensation Act. The Steam Fire Engine has had a new pump cylinder fitted, and is now in first class working order. Engine has also received a much needed coat of paint. Twenty-three brass helmets have been received and distributed to the members.

The balance of the gear, including 8800 feet of two and a half inch canvas hose, is all in good or der.

Alterations and additions have been carried out at No. 2 Fira Station, and a married fireman is now living on the premises, In connection with these improvements thanks are due to the members of the Brigade who gs>V3 the necessary labour.

A new fire well has also been started in Chapel Street, and I trust this will be ready for use if required during the coming summer.

In accordance w:th section 51 of the Fire Brigades Act, 1908, I beg to report having made an inspection of the public buildings in the Borough, and found that the fire escapes connected therewith are in aatiaafctory order and sufficient in number. Appended ara various summaries of fires and calls to fires:-False AlaraiF, 4; Chimneys, 8; Buildings, 11; total, 23. It is gratifying to know that the new Fire Brigade Building is nearing completion, and that the Brigade will soon be in possession of a suitable station for the housing of the men and appliances. In connection with this matter I do not wish to criticise the excellent results achieved by the Board in providing an up-to-date building for the fire service, but I would poionfc out that there is no provision for an officer to live on the Station, and no possi-

biliiy of his getting a residence in the vicinity, so that he could get to 3 the station in time of alarm to go with the first turn out aa he should 1 do, Therefore the members who live ' on the station, and who are invari--1 ably young in the fire service, will I have to take charge during the first, and very often the most important, few minutes of a fire. In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to the members ot the Board for their consideration in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the Brigade. QUARTERLY REPORT. The quarterly report was aa follows: I have the honour to report for the quarter ended September 30th ; 1910, three calls have been received viz.—One for fire in old wooden building occupied by a Chinese hawker, and two for it cipient fires on the premises of the Prince -of Wales Hotel and Farmers' Implement Company, respectively. As already mentioned in m? report of August 29th last, I consider a force of thirty men working under ore head would be ample to carry out the combined. dutieß of the ;£ite i Brigade and Fire Police, aud feel sure it would effect a sav ijDg of upkeep of approximately ? £7O per year. Re the men who live on the premises—l would suggest the Boarl take into consideration the advisa* bility of paying tnem some remuneration for the extra services that will, be required from them in the way of j station duty and extra practices. I Ebises for tin Engine.—Seeing j there is no accommodation at the new Fire Station, this matter will have to be re-arranged, unless it would be agreeable for the Board to allow Olliver to retain the use of tho present stables, but that he he required to keep two horses at the new station, say, from 6 p.m. till 6 a.m. each day; also on Sundays, and holidays. I would respectfully suggest that it be embodied in the custodian's duties at the new station that when ' both he ard his wife are away from the premises he make arrangements with some suitable person to attend ~to the duties during their absence, I might point out. that at the present time, during a part of almost every day, in the event of a fire call being sent in per telephone, no one is in the station to receive the message. In conclusion, I trust the board will favourably consider the suggestion to amalgamate the two corps, as in my opinion, divided control in the Fire Slation will be against tha efficiency of the whole service. ' .