HAMILTON FIRE POLICE

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17972, 18 March 1930, Page 9

HAMILTON FIRE POLICE

ANNUAL MEETING

ASSISTANCE TO BRIGADE, ELECTION OF OFFICERS. An integral adjunct of Hamilton fire-fighting activities, the Fire Police Corps, has, in the three years since its inauguration, done valuable work, and it has been due largely to its efforts that the brigade has reached such a high stage of efficiency. It is to this small but willing band Of publicspirited citizens that Die brigade owes its unhampered approach to outbreaks of fire —a matter of considerable importance when property, and often life, is at stake. That the efforts of the Hamilton corps are fully appreciated was evident on the occasion of the recent visit of Inspector . Hugo, when he paid a tribute to their services and thanked them for their unselfish co-operation in combating fire outbreaks in Hamilton. IVlotor-car Nuisance. The annual meeting of the corps I was held last evening in the Fire ; Brigade Social Hall, when Captain S. I T. Cooper presided over a good attendance. Captain Cooper, in his report on the year’s activities, expressed pleasure at the enthusiasm shown over the past year. The attendance at fires had been very good, considering that the corps had not been at its full strength. A marked improvement had been shown by officers and men as they became more acquainted with the duties of a fire police corps. Considerable difficulty bad been experienced during the year with the motor-car nuisance, and until an example was made of some of those unscrupulous youths who seemed to delight in hampering the No. 2 engine in its efforts to reach fires this sort of thing would, he was afraid, continue. Three new members were admitted during the year, and it was to be hoped that the remaining vacancies would he filled at an early date. Captain Cooper suggested that the corps procure suitable caps to wear at parades and meetings, and in conclusion thanked officers and men for Limit' assistance in maintaining Iho good work of Ihe corps. On behalf of the corps he thanked Superintendent Craig and his officers and men for their help and advice and the use of the station social room during the year. Mr Drummond Resigns. Lieutenant Drummond, who is leaving Hamilton, tendered his resignation. A trihule io Lieutenant Drummond’s work was paid by Die chairman and several members. He had been one of (heir staunchest members, and since the formation of the corps was seldom’ missing from a parade or fire, lie would be a loss to their ranks. Mr Drummond’s resignation was accepted with regret. Mr Drummond in reply, thanked the chairman and Die other speakers for Ihc kind things said of him. His work had always been a source of keen pleasure to him. He paid a tribute to the discipline that existed among the men at fires. Like that of the fire brigade, the work of the corps was a noble one. He referred to Superintendent Craig’s interest in the work of the corps. It was, he pointed out, lo the efforts and influence of the superintendent that, tlie corps owed its existence. In conclusion Lieutenant Drummond said that his thoughts would always be with the Hamilton corps, and hoped that they would continue with their good work in the interests of Hamilton. An Efficient Service. Superintendent Craig, on behalf of the brigade, thanked the corps for its valuable co-operation in the past. ! With 18 members of the corps and I 25 fire brigadesmen Hamilton was j assured of efficient service in corn- j bating lire danger of serious outbreaks. : He hoped that the same co-operation ! would always exist between the corps i and the brigade. Two new members were elected. j Election of Officers, The election of officers resulted— j President, The Mayor of Hamilton (Mr J. R. Fow) ; captain of corps, S. T. Cooper; lieutenants, 11. Rose (senior), F. J. Farrell, E. L. Watkins, J. Dufty; secretary and treasurer, J. T. Reid; three constables for executive, A. Burn, R. Sheet, C. Rose.