FIRE BRIGADE

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 28 July 1943, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE

The Annual meeting of the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in Hewitt's Tea Rooms Tuesday, July 20th, when Sunt. Carline presided and there were also present W- Carline, G- Hannay, A. Ashworth, A. McKellar, 11- Kemp, E. King, A- Beilby, W. Hewitt, I. Ashworth, J. Carline, J. Wedderspoon, W. Park, C E. Richards, T. E. Sunderland, J. R- McKissock. Tiie Superintendent welcomed firemen honorary memhers, and Pvte. I. Ashworth received a special welcome for which ne returned thanks. The Balance-sheet and Annual Report which fully covers the work .of the year, was adopted as under:— Report "We have pleasure in presenting the 40th Annual Report, and in doing so congratulate the town on its freedom from serious firesonly having one fire in a dwelling caused through defective construction and two grass fires- We wish to extend a sincere welcome to our worthy comrade Fireman lan Ashworth on his return from overseas on furlough. Fireman Ashworth was the first of five members to go overseas on active service and saw considerable service. We trust that his period of rest will be enjoyable and restore him to perfect condition. Since last annual meeting three more members have been drafted to overseas—E- Anderson, A. Cameron and R. Thomson, while J. Smith and J. Kyles went- into camp. We commenced this year with li) members including those on service- One new member joined but has since been transferred leaving 18 members- Besides these we have three auxilaries who have been exceedingly keen members and excellent attenders, averaging almost 22 out of 25 for the year. Our finances are not so healthy—some extra expenditure in connection with the sleeping quarters and the engine, being responsible for the position. We started with a credit in all funds of £42/17/2 and finished with a credit of £29/13/9 a decrease of —ls/3/5 for the year's working. Thte clothing fund now stands at £lO. The Honours earned since last annual meeting are as follows: — Geo. Hannay, 2 year Gold Bar 33 years. W- Hewitt, Gold Star, 25 years. A. Asliworth, 2 year Silver Bar 11 years. G. Hesson, 2 year Silver Bar, 7 years. E. King, 5 year, Silver Medal 5 years. D.Thomson, 5 year, Silver Medal 5 years. A. Beilby, Certificate, 3 yearsSecretary Hewitt was presented with his 25 years Star at the U.F-B.A. Conference held at Wellington in March last, at which

Fireman G. Hannay was your delegate. This is the sixth Gold Star to be presented in your Brigade, which is very creditableWe desire to express our thanks and appreciation for all the assistance and publicity given by the Borough Council and the Press, as well as the residents who are always ready to help in any way possible"A good deal of discussion took place regarding the financial position, and finally it was decided to hold tne matter over until the Borough Council had considered it. : Mr A. McKellar moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Superintendent 'and Officers for their past years work. —Selonded by Mr CE. Richards and earned • Mr C E. Richards took the chair and conducted the election of officers, which resulted as under: — Superintenden —B. Carline; Deputy Superintendent— H. Kemp; Secretary and Treasurer — W. Hewitt; Foreman —E. King Assistant Foreman— G. Hannay. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Richards for condudling the election, ' and to Messrs Sunderland and McKissock for installing the officers- The Brigade was congratulated on the high standard maintained by members since its inception. The meeting then adjourned for supper when they were the guests of "Mr and Mrs Hewitt.