ELTHAM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 August 1924, Page 10

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FIRE BOARD. The monthly meeting of the above board was held in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. Present : Messrs E. Thomas (chairman), Adlam, Bridger, Honan, Jones, King, Stanners. and the secretary (Mr. W Waters. Superintendent NuEtall "was also in attendance. A letter was received from the Eltham Borough Council offering the board the rise of the council chamber for its meetings. It was decided to thank the council for its offer. The council also wrote submitting a price for the land, building, and brigade equipment for the board’s consideration, stating that the council would either sell the property or lease same to the board for a term of years. The price set down for the property and equipment was £IOOO. . The board, after due consideration, decided to purchase the whole of the property and equipment contained in the offer, on the motion of Messrs Honan and Jones. The Borough Council were granted permission to remove the stables and other sheds belonging to them. The Eltham Brass’Band, who also have their bandroom on the property, were granted permission to leave the building on its present site until the land is required bv the board. Superintendent Nuttall then presented a lengthy report on the building, equipment, and other reauirements, and recommended that the fire station be painted, including the roof, which was shmving signs of deterioration ; also that electric light be installed throughout the station, and that a number of beds and equipment be obtained for the fb’emen required to live at the station. He also recommended additions to the station to provide for a married couple The r ost of the additions were in the vicinity of £250. He also asked that telephones be installed at the deputysuoerintendent’s and the brigade seeretarv’s houses. All the above matters were placed on the estimates for due consideration The superintendent* recommended th the strength of the brigade he reduced from twenty-two men to eighteen.—The reduction was anproved. Permission was given for the purchase of two smoke helmets and a small hand-pump for extinguishing small fires. The superintendent stated that it was necessary for him to have power te control matters at the Town Hall and apooint a fireman for duty there when the hall was engaged for pictures or other functions. He also submitted a list of duties for such firemen, and recommended that payment be made at the rate of 3s per man per night. The board approved of the suggestions. and power was given to supply the firemen at the discretion of the sucerintendent. The superintendent was asked to present s report of the water pressure in all parts of the borough to tfie next meeting of the hoard, and was authorised to purchase goods or accessories for the brigade up to 20s in value for any one item. It was decided that the hoard make an annual grant to the brigade of £25 towards their general expenses account, and also £T per man for hoot allowance. Fire pay was granted on the former conditions prevailing. Deputy-Superintendent Murray was granted an honorarium of £lO Ifts. The local members of the board were unpointed' a committee to present a report to the board in a week’s time, concerning the purchase of motor truck and equipment at present in the hands of the brigade The New Plvmouth members of the Board were asked to permit a set of b.v-laws for consideration at the next meeting, to-be held on the'2Bth inst. The secretary and any one member of the Board were impowered to sign cheques ■ • . ~