HASTINGS FIRE BOARD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 246, 29 September 1934, Page 11

HASTINGS FIRE BOARD

Superintendent’s Report The chairman, Mr G. A. Maddison. presided over Messrs G. W. B. McCormick, W. G. Hay, G. Mitfiorcilaylor and W. Keith at the quarterly meeting of the Hastings Fire Board yesterday afternoon. it was decided to place on record the services of Air McCulloch, who as Government Auditor had done everything possible to help the board in any transactions with him.

The superintendent, Mr R. Henderson, reported that during the last quarter the brigade received six calls as follow;—(1; M r Blackmore, drapery store, Heretaunga street, This fire started in a ventilater, apparently from a cigarette butt being thrown in amongst some rubbish that had accumulated inside; the smoke entered the building through the match-lined partition. The wood had just started to burn when discovered. Insurance on building £5,0(10, on stock £5,000. (2) Mr J. B. Hird’s dwelling, Nelson street. Two rooms in this house were damaged by fire and the remainder of the house was damaged by smoke and water. Insurance on building, £825, contents £5lO. Estimated damage £2OO. (3) Airs Wyatt’s dwelling, Queen street. A fire started in the ceiling, but was quickly under control. Insurance on building £5OO, contents £175, estimated damage £l2. (4) Mr McNeeces’ dwelling, Fitzroy Avenue. This fire was caused through faulty building construction. The floor joints, instead of being trimmed in the usual manner, were run through the foundation of the chimney, the joist being covered to a depth of only 1J inches with concrete. Consequently the heat set the joists on fire and burned back under the hearth. Insurance on building £lOOO, contents £5OO. estimated damage, nil. (5) Fowl-house in Grove road. This fire was caused through a kerosene heater exploding. Very little damage. No insurance. One false alarm was received during the quarter. The new tyres have been fitted to the No. 1. motor and are very satisfactory. A thousand feet of hose has come to hand and coupled up ready for use. The tools that were authorised have been procured The plant is all in good working order.

The report was adopted. With regard to the outbreak at Mr McNeece’s, which was alleged to have been caused through faulty construction of the building, it was resolved to refer the question to tho Borough Council for investigation by the borough inspector.