MASTERTON FIRE BOARD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 12 September 1913, Page 5

MASTERTON FIRE BOARD.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Masterton Fire Board was held yesterday afternoon, \ there being Messrs 0. N, C. Pragnell (chairman) s '■O. R.*C. Meson, C. R. sWtn, W. A. E. Gill, J. M. Coradine, J. C. -Ewington and H. J. O'Leary. inspector T. T. Hugo was present by invitation. The reports of the committee meetings of 3rd and 14tli July were read and adopted. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed: Balance 30th June, £B6 Is Id; expenditure £291 14s 7d; balance- at date £lsl 3s- 7d. Accounts amounting to £6O 5s lOd were passed! for payment. The audited balance-sheet was laid on-the table. \' With reference to application to Borough Council for additional firewelLs, it was reported that the matter was held over impending taking a poll of ratepayers on proposals for improving high-pressure water supply.

Mr Robieson reported, with regard to his inquiries oh the question of re-arranging the present loan and obtaining the extra sum required for the purchase of a motor pumping engine; that the money could be obtained at 5£ per cent interest releasing the board from ■the' present provision of paying £2OO per annum off the principal. It was decided to let the matter 6tand' over as the additional sum will not be required for a few months, and Mr Robieson was thanked .for his report, and the matter , of farther: arrangements was left in his hands to inquire, into" and report upon. ; :■ '"■■.-'■ :';:■: • !

r Mr Ewington moved, and Mr Robieson seconded, that this board decide to purchase a motor pumping engine upon condition that the Borough Council assure the board that they will provide fire-wells where necessary, or an, improved water supply. ; Mr Coradine moved! an amendment, and -Mr Pragnell seconded. That this board decide that a motor pumping engine be purchased. The amendment was lost, and the motion carried on the voices. Messrs Robieson, Ewington, Gill and Smith voting for the motion, and Messrs Coradine, O'Leary and Pragnell against the motion. After considering the various tenders received for the motor engine, it was decided to accept one of. these provided the water supply'question is satisfactorily settled. , It was resolved to instruct the captain of the fire police to have the roll called after every fire.