HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 4 July 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent!. HOKITIKA, July 3.

Mr T. W. Duff presided at the quarterly meeting of the Hokitika Fire Board held this morning. The following were present: Messrs A. H. Lawn, N. D. Bowman, W. E. Olds, H. C. Peart and Superintendent L. L. Ross. The Borough Council forwarded the nomination of Mr H. C. Peart as its representative. The chairman welcomed Mr Peart. On the motion of Mi’ Bowman it was decided that the Board place on record its recognition of the excellent service given to the Board by Mr A. R. Elcock as chairman for the past ten years. The Hokitika Borough Council forwarded a draft copy of the reserve, stating that the Board would have to appoint two representatives to a conference with representatives of the Westland jjounty Council and the Hokitika Borough Council to agree on the allocation of the reserve. The chairman and Mr Lawn were appointed to Represent the Board. Mr M. H. Houston was appointed a commissioner of the Hokitika Fire (Board to replace the late Mr M. Dawe. The Board’s insurances were placed with the Standard Insurance Coy for the present year. The Minister of Internal Affairs forwarded the estimates duly approved for the current year, and they were adopted. The Board discussed the proposed new fire station. The building, it was .stated, would be of two storeys and would be built of concrete. The ground floor would house the fire engine and fire fighting equipment,and .also five bedrooms for firemen to sleep on the premises. The top storey would have a recreation room for firemen and the usual amenities. Mr F. W. Williamson, building contractor, was present, and he was instructed to prepare estimates for the new station for submission to the Loans Board. The Superintendent reported that there had been no fires during the past three months. The usual practices had been held and had been well attended. A consignment of fire hose had arrived. The plant and equipment were in good order. The report was adopted. The Board decided to procure a motor box for the demonstration to be held during November. Accounts amounting to £l3B were passed for payment. It was reported that receipts had totalled £179 2s 9d. The credit at the bank was £235 19s 4d. Before the meeting of the Hokitika Fire Board to-day, the Chairman (Mr. T. W. Duff) referred to the aircraft accident in which Captain J. C. Mercer and Mr. M. Dawe, lost their lives. He said Captain Mercer was a pioneer ©f aviation in New Zealand, and the passing of such an excellent citizen was deeply regretted. Mr. Dawe was a well-known public accountant, ana a Commissioner of the Fire Board and was known throughout the business community. Mr. Duff moved that tne Board forward letters of sympathy to the relatives of both men. The motion was carried, members standing in silence.

The bodies of Captain Mercer and Mr. Dawe were brought to Hokitika on Sunday afternoon. The funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon from Air Travel Coy’s Station. Soutn Hokitika. Captain Mercer’s brother arrived in Hokitika from the North this morning. The late Mr. Dawe was a well-known public accountant ana took a prominent interest in sport, being a member of the Golf Club and a Rugby referee for some years. As Secretary to Air Travel Ltd., he was obliged to make frequent visits to ■W ellington.