HAWERA FIRE BOARD.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 June 1925, Page 9

HAWERA FIRE BOARD.

ANNUAL AIEETING

Hie annual meeting of the Hawera Fire Board wa s held to-day, when there were present Messrs J. G. Osborne (chair), G. Duncan, H. J. Grayson, L. A. Bone, R. D. Welsh. J. M. Townsend, and E. K. Cameron. Before the business of the meeting '( was commenced, the chairman extended it welcome to Air. E. K. Cameron, who had been appointed as a representative of the insurance companies.—Mr. Cameron returned thanks. A resolution expressing the board’s appreciation of the services of Air. K.. Akers, who had been a member for three years, he having preceded Air. Cameron, was also passed. Mr. J. G. Osborne was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year, members speaking appreciatively of that gentleman’s services during the past year. It had been a labour of love with Mr. Osborne. Air. Osborne, in reply, said that as long as lie was in Hawera he would continue to do his best, for the Eire Board. In accordance with the superintendent’s recommendation the board decided to purchase seven sets of block ferrule countings, in order that 1000 feet of “Rob Roy” unlined canvas hose, newly purchased, might be placed in commission. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The superintendent in liis annual report stated that as a. result -of the merging of Nolantown. in the borough, 100 acres, with 2-) miles of streets and 112 dwellings, had been added to the Hawera. fire district. The fire protection of Nolantown was a- matter that called for early and serious consideration by the board. The present strength of the brigade was 19* officers and men. Discipline and attendance had been good. Firemen had been stationed for duty at each xilace of public entertainment having a seating capacity of 500 persons and over. The number of attendances during the year was 554. _ i During the- year perid-oical inspec--N tions had bee n made of. public' and private institutions, and in each ease any advice given for the better protection of premises from fire had been duly acted upon. The interior of the fire station had been repainted and the single men’s quarters and watchroom renovated. Unforeseen, circumstances had temporarily stopped the installation of the hot water and heating service. Hie difficulties had now been overcome and the installation should take place at an early date. Following were the length of the various size water mains in the borough: 10-incli. 160 chains; 6-inch. 160 chains; 4-ineh, 1040 chains; 3-inch, 40 chains. Three-inch diameter water mains were inadequate for fire fighting purposes. Pipes should not he Jess than four inches in diameter. The total number of fire plugs in the borough was 303. During the year much interest had been taken in the social life of the brigade, billiards, card tournaments, and the library having provided recreation.

The brigade had held competitions, all of which had been keenly contested. In this connection thanks were cine to Messrs Osborne, Bone, Curtis and Spragg, foreman Hurley and fireman Champion, for donating prizes. Mr. Evans, electrical engineer, had made periodical inspections of the tower plant. Both tanks were full at present. The capacity of each tank was: Too tank. 100,000 gallons ; bot- >(' tom tank. 50,000 gallons. In conclusion, the superintendent - tendered thanks for the consideration given to all matters concerning the welfare .and efficiency of the brigade. Officers and- members had worked harmoniously together in carrying out their various duties, which he hoped •had been fulfilled, to the satisfaction of the board. The report was adopted.