ELTHAM FIRE BOARD.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 16 April 1926, Page 6

ELTHAM FIRE BOARD.

QUARTERLY MEETING. At the ordinary meeting of the Eltham Fire Board, held yesterday, there were present Messrs T C. Stanners (chairman), D. Honan (New Plymouth), J. McKay (Eltham), W. W. Allom. and D. J Jones (New Plymouth). Apologies were received from Messrs J. Thomas and A. Kemp. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The quarterly report of the superintendent stated that no calls had been made up to March 24, the night of the big fire. The brigade had been kept well up to standard in regard to drills and attendances, and one man had been replaced. Everything at the station was satisfactory and in good working condition. A suitable siren had been fixed to the motor and would, he believed, be satisfactory. He strongly advocated the purchase of. a jumping sheet, and recommended aiso the purchase of four helmets and one uniform. Eight hundred feet of hose had been received. It was agreed that the helmets be procured. The importance of having a jumping sheet was stressed, the superintendent stating that the want of such a sheet might be the cause of losing lives at a fire. ■ The superintendent also submitted a report on the fire on March 24, in which four lives were lost, which was taken in committee. It was agreed to adopt the report, and it was also decided that no further action could be taken A very satisfactory report on the brigade was received from the Inspector of Eire Brigades in Wellington, which was a source of gratification to the board. The Borough Council reported that action was to be taken enforcing the by-law regarding the use of garden The sum of £156 was credited to the board’s account on behalf of hose purchased. 800 feet. The State Eire Insurance 'Department, New Plymouth, forwarded £2, amount of claim for damage by fire at the fire station. Draft by-laws were submitted and adopted. It was decided to hold them in the draft as submitted until any possible amendments to the Act had been made. An addition agreed towns to the effect that one shilling per night be paid to the men when standing at the station under orders. The superintendent said it was necessary for him to have this claim upon their time, .so that attendance at the station could be enforced.

The chairman, two members, and the secretary were deputed to- affix the seal of the board to the by-laws when printed. The superintendent asked lor permission to offer the old reel to the new brigade at Okaiawa. A hear tv vote of thanks ivas passed to the local members of the boaro for their care and attention in revising the by-laws. The resignation of Fireman Hastings was received and a new member enrolled in his place. Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.