FIRE BOARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 May 1941, Page 7

FIRE BOARD

BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING SATISFACTORY FINANCIAL POSITION. LOWEST FIRE LOSS FOR YEARS. The fact that the fire loss for the year was the lowest recorded for a long period was stressed by the chairman of the Masterton Fire Board, Mr Trevor Beetham, at the annual meeting of the board held in Masterton last night. Mr Beetham presided. There were also present: Messrs W. Kemp, W. Candy, K. Mason and L. A. Hutton (Wellington) and the Fire Superintendent, Mr T. B. Clark. “It is with pleasure that I report that the board's finances show a considerable credit balance on the year’s working," said Mr Beetham. “The amount to carry forward to the credit of the current year is £92 4s 9d. This will be considered very satisfactory when it is realised that the full amount owing for the purchase of the board's section has been paid and at not half the cost which had been provided for in the past year's estimate,?. In spite of wage increases and the increase in the costs of other of the board’s requirements the expenditure has been kept well within limits. The fact .that we were unable to procure hose and alarm boxes for which £125 had been provided in the estimates has contributed to the position of the accounts as presented. The efficiency of the brigade has been excellent and the fire loss for the year, £719, is the lowest recorded for many years." “I wish to place on record my appreciation of the co-operation given me-during the year by the members of the board, officers and men of the brigade and the secreta'ry (Mr D. B. Curry),” said Mr Beetham. Mr Beetham was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. Tribute to Mr Beetham’s services in the past was expressed by members. After some discussion it was decided to continue the present arrangement with the theatres concerning the employment of auxiliary firemen. Mr Hutton announced that he had completed his term of office and had not offered himself for re-nomination. He expressed his appreciation of the board’s past courtesies. Members expressed regret that Mr Hutton was relinquishing his association with the board. Superintendent’s Report. The Superintendent. Mr T. B. Clark, submitted his annual report. There were 60 calls during the year, a decrease of 13 compared with the previous year. Fourteen were chimney fires, nine grass, four rubbish fires, 16 false alarms (12 of which were maliciously given) and 17 actual fires. The total fire loss for the year was £719 18s, made up by £369 10s, the estimated loss of property covered by insurance, and £350 Bs, the estimated loss of property not covered. The estimated value of the property was £54,552 on which the insurance was £18,915. Three outbreaks of fire were attended by the brigade beyond the borough fire district. All street fire alarms had been regularly attended to throughout the year and were working satisfactorily. All theatre fire fighting appliances, etc., had been inspected. Renewals and repairs were made where found necessary. The fire plugs throughout the borough had been regularly inspected and kept in good order by the borough council staff. The discipline of the brigade had been maintained. The attendance of the auxiliary members at fires and drill had been satisfactory. During the year a number of malicious false alarms were given from street fire alarm boxes, also by exchange telephone. Two Masterton women were brought before the Magistrate's court. One was convicted and fined, the other case being dismissed. Mr Clark expressed his appreciation to the officers and members of the brigade for their co-operation and interest in the service, and to the Police Department and the departments of the borough council for their assistance during the year. Mr Clark also acknowledged the consideration and support he had received from the Chairman and members of the board. Mr, Clark also submitted detailed statistics on brigade matters.