RANGIORA FIRE BRIGADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7864, 20 May 1886, Page 3

RANGIORA FIRE BRIGADE.

The twelfth annual meeting of the above Brigade was held at the station last night. There was a good attendance of members, Mr Superintendent Jones being in the chair. The Hon Sec. and Treasurer (Fireman S. H. Eichards) read the annual report, from which the following is extracted:—“On behalf of your Committee, I have the honour to submit to your approval the twelfth annual report of this Brigade. I need but make a passing reference to the events that have occurred since the last annual meeting, to remind members that the past year has been one of anxiety to your Committee; and yet there are matters for congratulation, to one or two of which I will allude. A team, consisting of Foreman Jones, Engineer Gulliver, Branchman Barrell, Assis-tant-Engineer Eeeve, and Fireman Tyler, was sent to take part in the Intercolonial Fire Brigades Demonstration at Napier in January last, and I am pleased and proud to state, that though we could wish they had made a better record, they gave a very creditable account of them-

————————— ... selves. Engineer Gulliver distinguishinghimself and the brigade by winning the first prize (£11) in the one man engine practice. The cost of sending this; team was heavy, so heavy indeed that but for public subscriptions it could not have been sent. The advisableness of taking any moneys from the Brigade funds for a similar purpose ia the coming year will be a subject for the serious consideration of the Committee you will this night appoint. Two entertainments were given in aid of the Brigade funds, but one being a financial failure, the nett proceeds amounted to only £9. Eight alarms of fire were given during the year, but only two of the fires were of a serious nature. A grievous and long-felt want has lately been met by the Borough Council in making an extra allowance of .£ls a-year for the maintenance of the Brigade, the annual grant being now £4O instead of £25. One other event must be referred to, namely, the resignation of Mr F, Gulliver from the office of Superintendent. That the Brigade has thus lost the services of an old and experienced fireman, is, to say the least, a matter for regret. In the election of his successor the Brigade seemed to have but one wish, and that was for the appointment of Foreman C. Jones, and, in conclusion, allow me to congratulate you upon the fact of the Borough Council having on Monday night last given effect to your wishes by confirming the election of so competent a man as Foreman Jones,” ' The balance-sheet was also presented. It showed:—No. 1 account (maintenance account), receipts £52 10s, expenditure £SO 6s7d; credit balance, £2 3s sd. No, 2 account (recreation, &e.), receipts £7O 19s lid, expenditure £72 19s; debit balance, £ll9s Id. The accounts were audited by Messrs H. Blackett and C. I. Jennings, and certified to as being correct. The report and financial statement beingentirely satisfactory, they were adopted, on the motion of Fireman Tyler, seconded by Branchman Smith. In accordance with resolutions passed at a former meeting, Branchman Smith was appointed senior foreman, and Foreman Grimwood, branchman of No. 2 Company. The election of the Committee resulted as follows: Foremen Smith and Wadey, Branchman Barrel!, Firemen Archer, Harman and Eichards. • Mr W. Foster was appointed Auditor. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers and to the auditors, -and after some routine business the meeting terminated.