GREYMOUTH FIRE BOARD
QUARTERLY MEETING HELD. Mr. W. H. Parfitt presided over the quarterly meeting of the Greymouth Fire Board, held last evening, and the following were also present: Messrs J. B. Kent, R. J. Williams, E. H. Box,' F. S. Grant, and Superintendent P. Deere. The Inspector of Fire Brigades advised that arrangements had been made for the early importation of 5000 feet of hose, to assist in meeting urgent demands in the Dominion. The Superintendent said that approximately 300 feet 1 was required annually by the Greymouth Brigade. Two orders for 600 feet, placed last year, had not been secured. A request .from the Cobden Brigade was received, for repairs to the 1 _ tr rw* T - urno /I nm’ rl 4-rx in
form the Cobden secretary that all such requests should be made to Superintendent Deere, as Cobden is now a part of the Greymouth Brigade. A letter was also received from the Cobden Brigade, with reference to a member struck off the roll, and to a substitute for a fireman serving overseas. Mr. Box ’expressed the opinion that there were too many firemen in Cobden, and that a substitute was not necessary. It was decided to adhere to the Board’s previous motion, that no replacements be made until the number of members at Cobden is reduced to 12. That the bell-tower at the Central Fire Station; Greymouth, was dangerous, and required immediate attention, was a statement made by Mr. Kent. He added that there should be a siren in Greymouth, instead of a fire-bell. The Superintendent said that the tower had been inspected by Mr. Williams and himself. The top portion was efficient to the extent of 70 per cent., and he recommended that the bell be lowered by 12 feet. The tower was needed for drying hose. Mr. Williams said that the greater portion of the tower would be good for another five years.. The cost of removing the top portion,- and lowering the bell, would probably be about £4O. Mr. Kent suggested that the Board should make an inspection of the tower, and this was approved. In answer to Mr. Kent, Mr. Grant said that the siren at Westport cost • about £6O. On the motion of Mr. Box, it was decided that Mr. Williams should
I procure a price for putting the tower I in good order, and, alternatively, the cost of a siren, leaving the tower for hose drying. It was also decided | that, if an inspection of the tower revealed that repairs were urgently needed, the matter should be dealt with by the local members of the | Board. | The Inspector of Fire Brigades , wrote, stating that representations J had been made, to the Government with reference to paid and volunteer firemen drawn in military service ballots, and the Government had indicated that separate applications for exemption had to ,be made. So far as overseas service was concerned, it was almost certain that key men would be exempted. During a discussion on the subject of the Home Guard, Mr. Grant expressed the opinion that firemen were already rendering national service, and that it was not necessary for them to join the Home Guard.
Mr. Kent said that firemen were provided for under the Home Guard scheme. The idea was to prepare platoons to assist the Fire Brigades. Superintendent P. Deere reported as follows for the past quarter:—There were three fires during the period, as follow:—September 17, 4.15 p.m., Mr. Sadler’s dwelling, Elizabeth Street. The fire was confined to the washhouse, which was under the same roof as the main building. The adjoining room was slightly damaged by water. October 6, 4.45 a.m., Mr. Oliver’s dwelling, Cowper Street. This fire occurred in a wash-house, which was partly destroyed. October 24, 4.25 a.m., Gibbs Motors Garage, Mawhera Quay. This was a good save as the garage was full of trucks and buses, only a portion of the contents of one of the trucks being damaged. An early alarm prevented a heavy loss. I have had a reel-house built in Cobden, and took over a reel with 300 feet of hose, hydrant and branch, which could be taken to a fire if no motordriver was available. The three engines have been attended to and warrants of fitness obtained. The practices and fires have been well attended.. Payments made,since the previous meeting, amounting to £259/15/10, were approved. The usual vote of £8 for “Christmas cheer” for the Brigades was passed for payment. Seasonal greetings were extended by the Chairman, and were reciprocated by members.
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Greymouth Evening Star, 4 December 1940, Page 3
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756GREYMOUTH FIRE BOARD Greymouth Evening Star, 4 December 1940, Page 3
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