HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 March 1928, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(From Our Own Correspond ut.) HOKITIKA, March 28. Mr. A. Breeze, who lately had the lease of Mr. P. Stephens’s shaving and hair salouu, which recent.y was ruined by fire, has now leased Mr U. Dowell’s shop and billiard saloon. ,A meeting is called for tomorrow evening ai 8 o ’clock, of Rugby enthusiasts desirous of forming a Kiwi Club. The Excelsior club is going to hold their meeting tomorrow night al-

It was mentioned at the Fire Board meeting last evening, that the losses by insurance companies during the year totalled nearly double that of the whole of the insurance premiums paid for the year in the town. At the same meeting the levy estimates for the year were approved, totalling £536, being an increase on last year of £7O The Fire Brigade superintendent, in his report to the Fire Board stated: — Since your last meeting the Brigade has viewed four cases, making nine Calls for the year. One half of the outbreaks were of a serious nature, and caused an unusually heavy fire loss, the total amount of which is £5599, since your last annual meeting a period of nine months, I have not included the loss at P. Stephen’s fire on the. 25th. inst. The efficiency of your Brigade continues to be of a very high standard, due to the keen interest members continue to take in Brigade work. The roll book shows a high perecentage of attendances; some members have not missed a practice or meeting during the year; the probationary roll is also full, and several men are awaiting a vacancy. Th a Fire .Police continue to render valuable service, and are of great asistance to th e Brigade in times of stress. All gear is in good workingorder, with the exception of No 5 ho»e reel, the type of one wheel of this reel needs adjusting. I Eave visited the various places of public amusement and find that the fire escape from the dress circle in the Princess has not been completed, a hand rail has not been provided for the new stairway; this is urgently needed. We will requir e three hundred feet of new hose, also one hydrant to replace ones broken at a fire. The watchman’s house requires some attention, also his night glasses need overhauling. The two new lengths of suction hose for the steam fire engine have arrived from England and are now at the foundry where the couplings are being fitted on. The Board resolved tfo notify Princess Theatre proprietors to give immediate attention to the requirement, <and 'the report as a whole was adopted. Mr. W. Newman returned from Christchurch yesterday, bringing with him the latest model of the Hudson touring car, a seven seater. The recent rain, particularly on Monday, was responsible for some road damage, chiefly by scouring out hilly parts. There was a largo amount of seepage water in the Kokatahi district, and small creeks in Koiterangi district wore not able to carry the extra water, and overflowed the roads. The main streams thereabouts were not much flooded. Tn the southern district the recent rainfall wias abnormal. Over four inches fell at Waiho Gorge on Monday. Evans Creek is reported to have scoured badly again, and the northern abutment of the bridge suffered some damage which will be the subject of immediate repairs. Tho Hokitika Fire Board met last evening at 7.10, there being present: — Hon. 11. L. Michel (chairman), Messrs A. R. Elcock, J. J. Breeze, and C. L. Green. Mr. Breeze nominated Hon. IT. L. Michel as Chairman, Seconded by Mr. Green and carried.

Mr. Michel thanked members for their continued confidence, and expressing his appreciation of the splendid work of the Superintendent and members of the Fire Brigade in the recent week or two. It Was resolved to extend for six months the leave of absence granted to Mr. A. A. Andrewes (secretary) on half pay, Mr. Gaylor carrying on tho duties meantime on half salary. Inspector Hugo, reported on inspection of Hokitika Fire Brigade, there being a satisfactory turn out of 24 members, the steam engine working well, but some of the stand pipes required attention. It was stated that the necessary attention had bene given by the Borough Council. Mr. H. G. Wiley, Christchurch, resigning position as member of Board and thanking members of Board, always given. A vote of appreciation of his services wr>s passed on the motion of the Chairman and Mr. Elcock. S. W. Ridland, nightwatchman, notified special services during past month, and a vote of 30/was passed. Accounts amounting to £242/14/11 were passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts £lOB/4/5 payments £137/8/5, credit balance £4B/1/-. Th e Secretary reported the telltale clock was very satisfactory. It was reported in connection with the Tire at Stephens Bros, on Monday morning that the nightwatchman had passed tho shop at 2 am., and Constable RandalT at 2.15 a.m. there being then no sign of fire.