GREY FIRE BOARD

Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 2

GREY FIRE BOARD

QUARTERLY MEETING.

The Greymouth Fire Board held its quarterly ‘meeting last evening. Mr. W H. Parfitt presided and there were also present, Messrs J. Saunders W. E. Olds, N. D. Bowman, J. B. Kent, | the Secretary (Mr. W. E. Pring) and the Fire Brigade Superintendent (Mr. A.'White). , T ; The Under Secretary of Internal Affairs wrote advising that, in conformity with the Statutes Amendment Act, 1942, the date for the next; elections and appointments of members of Fire Boards is altered from May 1943 to June 1943. Subsequent elections and appointments are to take place in the same montn or everv third year thereafter, thus bringing Fire Boards into line with other local bodies whose members have a triennial period of ofhce. tne Utter was received, and it was pointed out that the Greymouth Board was in a different position from othei boards in that local members were the appointees of the Borough CounCI C K Millar wrote drawing attenfon to the overgrown state of the section at the rear of the Cobden Fire Station. As a serious danger to neighbouring properties was created he be asked that it be cleared up. Mr. Kent moved that the matter be left to the Sunerintendent to see that the work was done.—Carried The report of the Superintendent (Mr A. White) stated that during the ner'od from the end of July to the end of August, eight calls were received all of which were speedily dealt with. The most serious oi the<=° fires was the house of Cain’s estate. The Brigade received an ear.lv call, and the damage was confined to one room. The usual Practices and fire calls had been well attended T he auxiliary firemen had attended 'all fires, and they were oi great assistance to the main brigade. Fireman G. Nelson junr. had been released from camp, and had rejoined the brigade. One of the sirens had been loaned to the Borough Council for an air ra : d signal and will be returned in due course. . Some slight repairs have been carried out at the Central Stpt : on. The Cobden fire bell tower is m need of repairs and will have to be attended to in the near future and also be made suitable for drying nose on. The whole of the plant and stations have been kent in good order and are a credit to the caretaker . The Sunerintendent said that the work required for the Cobden fire bell tower would cost about £lO. The report was adopted and the expenditure authorised. A grant of £lO was made for Chrstmas cheer for members of the Fire Brigades—£7 10s to Greymouth and £2 10s for Cobden. It was decided to send n letter ot thanks to the Addington Workshops Fire Unit for their hosnitalitv to the memb°rs of the Greymouth Auxiliary Fire Brigade and the Railway Fire Un't at the competit’ons held during UT week-end. The Chairman spoke of the value of these competitions.

NEW STATION FOR COBDEN SUGGESTED.

It was decided that the Superintendent and local members of the Board visit the section occupied by the Cobden Fire Brigade and report to the next meeting as to whether it would be advisable to undertake luting up with a view to building a new permanent station, with sleeping quarters, in the future. Mr. Kent pointed out that Cobden was a p-rowmg settlement, and there was the danger that in the event of an emergency it might be difficult to send aid owing to the likelihood of a traffic jam on the bridge. It was decided to take steps to ascertain if a' subs'dv could be obtained from the E.P.S. for the fitting of two klaxon horns to the engines, as this was being done owing to E.P.S. requirements..

It was decided to defray the cost of service honours for twelve members of the Cobden Fire Brigade. The Cha’rman expressed best wishes for the Christmas season to the members of the Board and Fire Brigade. These were reciprocated by Mr. J. B. Kent. HOKITIKA FIRE BOARD. Mr A. R. Elcock occupied the chair at the quarterly meeting of the Hokitika Fire Board on Tuesday morning, the following other members being also present: Messrs N. D. Bowman and W. E. Olds. Supt. L. L. Ross (Fire Brigade Superintendent)

was also . present. Apologies from Messrs A. Lawn and j'. J. Mclntosh were received. Mr J. J. Williams forwarded his resignation as nightwatchman, which was received with regret, and appreciation of faithful serv.ces rendered over a period of eleven years being placed on record, and the secretary instructed to forward a letter to Mr Williams, acknowledging his services. From three applications, Mr S. Thorpe was appointed to the position. Superintendent L. L. Ross reported that during the past quarter no' fires occurred. Gear and equipment was in excellent order and attendances at th e practices were good. Tenders had been accepted for a supply of spanners. The fire engine required painting. The usual Christmas donation was requested. A donation of £5 was made for Christmas cheer. The board approved of a sum of £lOO being invested in the Second Liberty Loan. Messrs C. Caliari and M. Dawe wrote accepting the positions as commissioners of the board’s trust account. The secretary was instructed to arrange for the painting of the fire- engine.

Supt. Ross expressed good wishes to the board for the festive season, and also appreciation of generous treatment received. The chairman asked the Superintendent to convoy to the brigade members every good wish for a happy Christmas and a happier New Year. The board agreed to increase the Superintendent’s salary by £5, and also to a donation to the brigade of £l5. Mr Bowman asked for information as to the number of fires actually -reported by the nightwatchman. The Superintendent stated that this question was often asked. The watchman reported the greater number, but the mere fact of having a watchman was well worth while. The treasurer's statement disclosed that after payment of accounts for the quarter and allowing for the amount invested in the. Liberty Loan, the credit was £l7l.