FIRE PROTECTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 March 1926, Page 5

FIRE PROTECTION.

MOA'E AT OKAIAWA,

VOLUNTEER BRIGADE FORMED. A public meeting held at Okai awn last night, Mr A. Lees in the chair, after full consideration of the question of tire protection, decided to form a volunteer fire brigade, and to proceed at once to the erection of a fire station and the purchase of equipment. In the recent past, Okaiawa. has been fortunate in its freedom from fires; but the business people have not allowed themselves to be lulled into false security on that account, and last night’s" decision reveals a commendable public spirit in the community, since the financing of the brigade will be wholly by voluntary subscription or self-imposed levy. The township is fortunately situated in regard to water supply, since the Ilawcra Borough Council’s main passes through Okaiawa, and permission has.been obtained to tap this for fire-fighting purposes. Superintendent A. Morrison, of the Ilawera Fire Brigade, was present at the meeting last evening and gave some very useful hints on organisation and working. In return, he has been elected an honorary members of the. Okaiawa brigade. Control of the new brigade will be vested in a fire committee, of which the superintendent of the brigade wiL be chairman, and the membership of 'which will embrace all the business men of Okaiawa. Officers elected at the meeting were: Superintendent, Mr E. Drake; deputy-superintendent, Mr W. G. Williams; secretary, Mr J. Barclay. A start will be made at once with the erection of a fire station, on the corner section next the Post Office; and the intention of the committee js lo buy a reel, hydrant and hose at an early date.