FIRE BRIGADE DISPUTE

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1946, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE DISPUTE

VOLUNTEERS RESIGN HAWERA, Sept. 12. From to-night Hawera will be without the services of the volunteer members of the fire brigade, the 17 men having resigned in a body. This action is the sequel to a long-stand-ing dispute. ■ Some months ago, despite protests from 700 residents' at a public meetand, the Fire Board asked for the resignation of the full-time superintendent and subsequently appointed an honorary superintendent. This led to further protests by the business community and an ultimatum by the brigade volunteers that they would resign unless a full-time superintendent were appointed. The board refused to change its policy and the volunteers will hand in their uniforms and equipment to-night. The town is now left with only two permanent men, a station officer and a fireman driver. Some of the men i who have resigned have had up to ‘3O years’ service.