GREY FIRE BOARD.

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1927, Page 6

GREY FIRE BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Grey Fire Board was held last evening, there being present:—Messrs J. Steer (Chair), G. Perotti, J. McGinley, C. Green, H. G. Whiley. Superintendent Clarke was also present. The Chairman stated the object of the anual meeting was the election of a Chairman for the ensuing year. Before vacating the chair, the Chairman gave a short review of the past year’s work, mentioning the fact that a new sub-station had been erected in High Street, and a new Dennis fire engine bought and paid for. He thanked the members of the Board, SuperintendentClarke, the Fire Brigade, and the office staff for the support accorded to him and for the work they had done in making the Brigade the success it was. Mr Steer was again elected Chairman for the ensuing year. The Secretary of the Wellington Fire Board wrote re the holding of the next conference. It was decided that the Board associate themselves with the conference, the matter meanwhile to be in the hands of the Chairman, who will endeavour to represent the Board, and if he cannot attend to make other arrangements for the Board to have representation. A letter was read from the Hamilton Fire Board with reference to establishing a fund for the payment of gratuities or pensions to retiring firemen. After a gbneral discussion, it was decided to reply to the Hamilton Board that the local Board considered the proposal a good one for the provision of superannuation for firemen, and agreed that the matter should be brought up at the next conference to be threshed out.

The Chairman moved that a letter of thanks from the Board be sent to Fireman John Kennedy for the valuable services he had rendered to the Board and to the town in general. He also moved that Fireman Kennedy be allowed to retain his uniform as a mark of the Board’s appreciation. Other members eulogised Fireman Kennedy’s work, and the motion was carried unanimously. # The estimates for the year, amounting to £1250, were adopted. The following reports were received and adopted: — INSPECTOR HUGO ’8 REPORT.

An inspection of the Greymouth Bri gade was made on the 15th instant, when at the inspection muster thdre was present the Superintendent, Deputy, and 14 firemen, these, with four on leave, accounting for the total strength. Certain inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the stations and equipment was found to be in good order. * The new sub-section erected for protection of the southern portion of the district is suitably situated, and provides adequate accommodation, but an electric light should be fixed on the front of the building. The first aid hydraulic hose reel is fixed across the rear of the hose box on the newly-acquired motor fire engine, a most unsuitable position, and I have to recommend that the reel be fixed in the centre of the hose box parallel with the line of the body, also a three-way collecting head should be provided. Both recommendations are in accordance with those submitted to your Board by Superintendent Warner, of the Christchurch Brigade, prior to purchase of the machine, and are similar to requisitions in the case of several machines which were originally fitted in the same manner.

The following is Superintendent Clarke’s annual report:— During the year the Brigade has received 18 calls, four of which proved serious, viz., McKay’s building, Albert Street; Messrs McGruer and Co.’s drapery, Mawhera Quay; Mr Uddstrom’s furniture factory, Mackay Street; and Mr E. Stratford’s dwelling. Alexander Street. The balance were all extinguished with slight loss. Official reports dealing with all the above outbreaks will be laid before you.

The total value of properties at stake on which fire occurred amounted tn £100,022 10s, with a total loss of £26,130 16s. The Denis pump was brought into requisition at three of the above fires, each time with good results. The first-aid pump was also used to extinguish one outbreak. The Ford motor has been placed at the High School Station fully equipped for dealing with any outbreak in the south end of the town. The Brigade has mustered for meetings and drills on 24 occasions during the year, including one Inspector’s parade under Inspector Hugo, with an average attendance of 16. This with 18 fire calls, with an average attendance of 16, makes a total of 42 musters and calls. The steam fire engine will undergo the annual inspection shortly, and will, i think, be found in good order and condition.

I would respectfully recommend that a sum be placed on the estimates for the purpose of providing new uniforms for the members, as most of the working uniforms are worn and unfit for

I would also recommend that provi sion be made for procuring 300 feet canvas hose to keep the stock of good hose up to standard. All out stations, plant, etc,, are in good order, any minor repairs having been attended, and all gear, etc., kept in good order and condition, and the usual routine duties re gularly attended to. Service honours are due to members as per attached list, and I would respectfully request your Board to arrange for procuring same. Superintendent Clarke reported as fol lows for the past quarter: — During the quarter the Brigade has received three calls, one at Everybody’s Tea Rooms, Tainui Street; one at a dwelling in Franklyn Street; and one at the State School. Thanks to an early alarm and prompt response by the Brigade, the first-named was a good save. The other outbreaks were quickly dealt with, only slight loss resulting. All musters and calls have been regularly attended and good order has prevailed. One member, Foreman John Kennedy, has resigned from the Brigade owing to a breakdown in his health, after giving valuable service for the past 35 years. The vacancy will be filled at an early date.

Nothing of any importance has occurred during the term, and all the usual loutine duties have been carr.’M out. Several accounts were passed payment. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting. The annual meeting of the Greymouth Fire Brigade was held on Monday evening, all members being present. Superintendent Clarke presided, and in doing so congratulated the members for the good work done by them in the past. The resignation of Foreman Kennedy was accepted with deep regret. Several 'members spoke in glowing terms that in losing him they were losing one of the

champion fire-fighters of New Zealand. He was elected a life member of the Brigade.

The balance-sheet was read and adopted, and showed them to be on the right side of the ledger. It was decided to hold the annual ball on Thursday, July 28, and to be of the old-time dances, and that the music to be in the hands of Everybody’s Orchestra. The following officers, under Superintendent Clarke and Sub-Superintend-ent Deere (who are elected by the Board) were elected:—Senior Foreman, Arthur White; Junior Foreman, Thomas Mclntosh; Traesurer, W. Pring; Secretary, J. G. Walton. It was unanimously decided to have an enlarged photo taken of the Brigade members and placed in the Station. A, i vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.