FIRE PROTECTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 September 1925, Page 9

FIRE PROTECTION.

PURCHASES BY BOARD. ENGINE AND ALARM SYSTEM. At the quarterly meeting of the Ha. wera Fire Board to-day it was decided to place orders for a new Dennis fire engine and pumping outfit, and a Duoleux fire alarm system of twenty boxes. These matters have been under consideration by the board for about two years, but now that definite action has been taken it is expected .hat the new engine will be to hand m vbout eight weeks’ time. On .the other hand, although the order has teen placed nine months may elapse before the fire a 1 arm system is installed. There were present at the meeting: Messrs J. G. Osborne (chair), J. M. Townsend, H. J. Grayson, R. J. Welsh, H. Duncan, E. K. Cameron and L. A. Bone. Motions stating the board s _ decision to purchase a Dennis fire engine costing about £1360 and a fire alarm system costing £945 were passed. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Osborne, Bone, Duncan and Townsend was set up to. discuss the question of fire protection with the Hawera County Council and report. It was pointed out that the brigade was under no obigation to attend -fires outside the borough, and that if fire protection was yn some payment should he made. The same committee was appointed to interview .the chairman of the Hospital Board with regard to connecting up of the hospital with the street alarm system. The committee was given power to act. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. The superintendent (Mr A. Morrison) reported that the total number of calls received during the quarter was five a decrease of seven compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The present strength of the brigade was 15, including officers and men. Several members had left the district, being unable to secure employment, locally. Discipline had. been maintained, and the attendance at drills and fires had been entirely satisfactory. In addition to attending drills and fires, 173 theatre and 83 watchroom duties had teen kept. Additional gear had come to hand, the motor was in good order, and the was in a thoroughly -satisfactory condition. The installation of he hot water and heating service at the station had been completed, and added considerably to the comfort of the members who sincerelv appreciated the board’s efforts’ in this direction. Fireman H. 11. Pettett having faithfully served the necessary time to enable him to qualify for a five years’ ser. vice medal, wouM be presented with the same at an earlv date. Fire- drill had been carried out in a smart and efficient manner, which fv,?.,s the usual custom at the Hawera Public . School. Ml- Evans (electrical engineer) had uiepected the p’ant in the tower. Both tanks were fail at present. The suoerintendent made application n behalf‘of the. brigade for the quarterwatriiroom subsidy, which amounted to £4 3s, also for Deputy Superintenleiit Grace’s remuneration of £5.

T}*o, brigade had forwarded a cop? ••rf their new rules for consideration ml .approved by the board. These soda 1 . rules did not conflict in any way "ith the rules and conditions of service ,>iid standing orders issued by the Fire Board. ,'•» r The. thanks of the members of the brigade had been conveyed to Mr Niel•en and-Deputy Superintendent Grace Sr donating books to the brigade’s ever •'ncreasing .and much-used library. In conclusion, the superintendent depred to copyev his best thanks to the ■ih airmail and members of the board for Hheir continued support towards increasn~ the efficiency of the service. The report was adopted.