MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 868, 8 September 1881, Page 2

MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Tun annual meeting of the Mastorton Firo Brando was held last evening. Captain Muir in the chair, Lieutenant Dixon, Fireman Dixon, and 14 other member were present.

The minutes of the previous meeting having lijen read and oonfiiined. Tho following report was read i Your Committee in presenting their third Ann mil Report cannot do bo with-out-first congratulating the Brigade on tho progress it baa made during the past tvvelvo months the income may not have been so large as could bo wished, but, considering the depression it is very satisfactory. The balance sheet submitted.by tho Finance Committee will be read to you, showing, notwithstanding the many liabilities incurred thai the (jiianoial position of the Brigade is in a healtljy state, During (he past twelve months the Brigade has been fortunate in acquiring many things neoessary for the efficiency of the members. Ist, And of greatest importance is the new engine shed and moeting room, which has been provided by the exevtionsof (lie Finance Committee, now enabling the Brigade to be independent as regards shelter, and a proper place for storing the engines and appliances. 2nd. And mainly owing to the representation of. Mr Elkins, the Brigade has been proyided with a good and powerful engine, 3rd, Helmets and axes have been provided; articles very muoh wautedj being useful as a protection to the men and adds very much to the appearance of the Brigado, on practice and duty. Other appliances of a minor character ha«e also been supplied, noteably a hose reel, the value of which cannot be overestimated.

Your Comraitteß have also much pleasure In reporting that canvas delivery'hose for the use of the Brigade has been ordered, and may ba expected in a few days, ' -■■'.■ The calls' on the Brigade during the past year for active service have happily baen very few, with the exception of the usual alarms lor foul chimneys, only .'three fires have occurrad. The members of the Brigade with their usual activity haye turned out on all occasions, and by their, energy have prevented any very serious •damage being done, the most extensive of the three fires mentioned was the Institute, and considering the hold the flames had got on the building, and the

difficulty of getting at the locality of the ■ Bra, the Brigade after timeand hard work conquered the flame's, saving the Insurance Company! interested' a mm of fire hundred pounda, and {he inhabitants the lost of a fine 'holding, The Committee must congratulate the. meinbert of the brigade on the remit of the contest with the Carterton.--Fire' Brigade which "took "place'on the Brd of August last, and at the earn* time must 'express' their' satisfaction' »t the way.in-frhioh.the practice wai;performed both as regard.. tkill, and, discipline, - and ■■ it'is h»p«d the result of the contest will encourage the members to still progress in eieliiloy 'by and regular attendance, snd.also-ofl the means of stirring the younger members of the . BrigddeTlo.try! and: emulate : . comrades, * ~ Another matter, 'for,congratulation rfc thelpreieat standing of the Brigade, Formerly when not provided with a new," members-were scarcej but! by the o'onfinuedExertions of those who hare stood by the Brigade during its uphill struggle new members areplentiful many evidently thinking, and justly, so, that'll is:an honor'to don the' Blouse and' Hairnet, and those 'members who have raised the Brigade to its present efficient state desorve the thanks of the people ofMasterton,'. '■'" -'■.-' '-• "•' •! '•. ...In conclusion your Committee allow thii opportpnity -to paW without) expressing their appreciation at the extremely satisfactory manner in whichthe members of the'.Finance Committee,, have acted for the benefit of thi' brigadeJluring the past year, and.,the r interestVthose gentlemen have always,,-.! taken, and their willingness at all: timet >. to acceed to any request, sent by you, for.,;'. appliance! necessary, and your, committee I would suggest a vote of thanks be conveyed to them from the members at their next meeting,'' ;

The report and balance sheet for tha past year w'era adopted, a rote of thanks being,passed ". to the Finance Committee for their serricei during the past year.

A ballot was (hen Uktjn f»r. the eleptlon of officers, which resulted in re-eleotianof Captain Muir and Lieut Dixon. Messrs Broom, G. C. Palmer, and E. Diion were nominated for.the office of foreman, but the'election resulted in favor of Mr E, Dixon, Mmih Smith and Houmlow were the'successful candidates for the offices of first and second branchmen,

Li acknowledging hit re-election Captain Muir strongly urged upon members the necessity of regular attendance at all praoljces.. Lieut. Dixon and foreman Dixon also tl)aijke4 n)eo|bsrs for their je : elaotion, , ' v ' . ■■■■■'■ A vote of thanks to the retiring branch; men concluded the business.