TARANAKI FIRE-FIGHTERS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 21 February 1935, Page 10

TARANAKI FIRE-FIGHTERS

ANNUAL CONFERECE HELD

SOUND FINANCIAL POSITION

ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE

A sound financial position was disclosed and a satisfactory year’s operations reviewed in the report of the executive presented at the 24th annual meeting of the Taranaki District United Fire Brigades’ Association held in the Tatea Borough Chambers last evening. Of the brigades affiliated to the association, New Plymouth was the only institution not represented. Those present included members of outgoing executive —Secretary J. M. Burrows, Elthain (president), DeputySuperintendent J. Zinsli, Ilawera (immediate past president); secretary N. R. Goad, Patea (senior vice-presidcfit); Doputy-Supcrintendent E. Brocklebank, Stratford (junior vice-presi-dent) ; Foreman C. 11. Carey, Patea (secretary); Superintendent H. A. Nutlall, Eltham (treasurer); Secretary 11. L.-Warner, Ilawera (auditor). The following delegates were also present: Foreman C. Tanner (Waitara), Foreman A. 11. Reesby (Inglewood), Fireman D. Butcher (Stratford), Fireman M. Ritter (Eltham), Superintendent Nuttall (Kaponga by proxy), Secretary J. Miller (Manaia), Capt. F. Fitzwater (Patea). A welcome was extended to the delegates by the Mayor of Pafea (Mr F. Ramsbottom), who said that he understood it was 1G years since the last conference sat at Patea. He hoped the delegates would be satisfied with their deliberations, which would pave the way for the delegates to the U.F.B.A. Conference at Blenheim. The local association since its inception had been of great assistance to the brigades of Taranaki. In conclusion, Mr Ramsbottom pointed out that Patea, with seven gold star members, must hold the Dominion record for towns of similar j size.

Secretary Burrows briefly replied and congratulated Patea on the efficiency of its brigade. lie referred to the brigade’s recent jubilee and the long service of such members as M. Carey, senr., F. Spooner and L. Adams.

EXECUTIVE’S REPORT,

The report of the executive stated that the finances of the association were in a satisfactory condition, the balance sheet showing a credit balance of £35 5s lOd with subscriptions outstanding amounting to £3, all of which had since come to hand. A meeting of the executive was held at Eltham during the year, when an invitation from the Stratford Fire Brigade to hold a demonstration in December, 3934, was considered, and after corresponding with the Stratford brigade the invitation was withdrawn owing to the shortage of time. The executive extended congratulations to Superintendent Morrison and members of the Ilawera brigade oh the success of their members at the examinations of the New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Officers and Members’ Institute. The executive also congratulated members of other brigades in the association for their success in their examinations.

Since Fire Prevention Week started a year or two ago it had reduced the fire losses throughout the Dominion. Circulars were distributed to the citizens and those same circulars and pamphlets carried considerable useful information. The brigades throughout the Dominion W’ould again hold Fire Prevention Week, commencijag on March 18. During the year the Patea brigade celebrated its jubilee, and the association .congratulated Patea on passing the half century.

VALUE OF EXAMINATIONS,

Speaking to the report and balancesheet, Secretary Burrows, who presided, said that the association had undoubtedly felt the stress of the difficult times, but was functioning effectively. He commended the men of the Hawera brigade who had been successful in examinations of the New Zealand Fire Brigades Officers and Members’ Institute, and urged the younger firemen in particular to sit for the tests. They would be of value in the future. The Fire Prevention Week had been of great value to the Dominion, said Secretary Burrows. The public was becoming more educated to fire hazards.

Deputy-Superintendent Zinsli con gratulatcd the association on its good showing, but pointed out that the credit balance might be misleading as the subscriptions, being in advance, should not have been included in a balancesheet for the year ending December 31 last. Considerable -discussion ensued on the question and it was finally recommended that the incoming executive should enquire into the position and notify brigades as to the date to which their subscriptions arc paid. The following executive was appointed, nominations not exceeding the vacant positions: President, Secretary Coad; senior vice-president, DeputySuperintendent Broeklcbank; junior vice-president, Secretary Warner; -secretary, Foreman C. H. Carey; treasurer, Superintendent Nuttall; auditor, Secretary Warner. It was decided that as Secretary Warner had no vote ns auditor, it be permissible for him to fill two positions on the executive.

The question of the venue of the 1936 conference was held over until a future date, Secretary Burrows stating that should a suitable main be installed at Taumata Park, Eltham would forward an invitation.

Past president badges were presented by Secretary Burrows to Superintendent Nuttall (1916), Foreman C. H. Carey and Deputy-Superintend-

jnt Zinsli. Secretary Burrows congratulated the recipients on their service, and in relinquishing the presiJency was in turn presented with a oadge by the ingoing president, Secretary Coad.

It was decided that the secretary should make arrangements for the presentation of badges to past presidents lot present at the meeting.

Votes of thanks were accorded the outgoing officers.

VISITORS ENTERTAINED

At the conclusion of the meeting the visiting delegates were entertained at ;lie Patea Fire Station. A short toast .ist was honoured, the speeches being interspersed with musical and elocu;ionary numbers. Captain Fitzwater presided.

The toast of the Taranaki Fire Brigades’ -Association was proposed by oxOaptain L. Adams, who said that the association was definitely on a sound footing. Superintendent Nuttall, in replying, briefly reviewed the history of che association. He referred to the lack if facilities for demonstrations in Taranaki, but expressed the hope that this would be remedied. Superintendent Nuttall also referred to the cordial relations -which always existed amongst brigade members wherever one might be. Secretai-y Coad also replied.

The toa&t; d' The Gold Star Members,” was proposed by Deputy-Superin-tendent Brocklebank. The response was made by gold star members present— Mr F.. Spooner, ex-Captain Adams, Superintendent Nutthll, Foreman Carey and Secretary Burrows.

Other toasts honoured were: “The Patea Fire Brigade,” proposed by Deputy-Superintendent Zinsli and responded to by Captain Fitzwater; “The Patea Borough Council,” Foreman Carey—Cr. J. Haworth; “The Teams Visiting the National Demonstration,” Foreman Tanner—Secretary Warner (Hawera) and Fireman M. Fitzwater (Patea); “Past Presidents,” ex-Captain Adams—Superintendent Nuttall, Secretary Burrows, Deputy-Superintendent Zinsli and Foreman Carey; “The Ladies,” Mr J. Gunderson—Mr J. Wells; “The Press,” Secretary Warner. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs Wells and Cuiulcrson, Foreman Tanner and Mr J. Haworth. Fireman It. M. Willis (Patea) presented a novelty item, while a recitation was given by Fireman E. Nixon (Inglewood). Community singing was led by Mr Cunderson.