FIRE FIGHTING IN PALMERSTON NORTH

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6867, 23 March 1929, Page 8

FIRE FIGHTING IN PALMERSTON NORTH

i RETURN OF LOSSES. The Palmerston North Fire Board met ye.'teronv >. lieu there were present Alesci.-. A. 3. Graham and \V. L. Fitzherbert (borough representatives), L. H. Collinson (Government representative), W. A. Parton and A. Simpson (Insurance company representatives). Air. A. J. Graham was rc-electcd chairman.

The Brigade Superintendent (Mr. W. 11. Barnard) reported that during tho quarter there had becu 36 calls of which 10 were false alarms, one a chimney fire, 2 hedges, 0 grass, one rubbish, one tar with 15 actual fires. The estimated loss not covered by insurance was £45-1 (contents) and £455 (buildings.) The estimated loss covered by insurance was £2657 (contents) and £2871 (buildings). The estimated value of property on which fires occurred was £112,323 (contents) and £55,089 (buildings). The estimated total loss was £3,109 (contents) and £3326 (buildings). The street fire alarm system was giving every satisfaction. On February 21 the box at the corner of Pascal and Feathcrston Streets was found to be broken and the police had been informed. The Superintendent again brought before tho Board’s notice the desirability of purchasing another motor pumping outfit and the unsatisfactory state of the borough water pressure. The attendance at drills and tires had been satisfactory. The present strength of tho brigade was 25 with Superintendent, deputy superintendent and 4 firemen permanent. Nine auxiliary firemen and messenger ic sided at Central station, one at Terrace End station with 9 auxiliaries nonresident. Mr. Barnard tendered thanks to the Board for consideration given to all matters for the welfare of the brigade. Officers and men lard worked harmoniously. The Superintendent also tendered thanks to the police for valued assistance at all times when required. The Board agreed to a suggestion to engage another permanent fireman. Mit T. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades, reported on his inspection of the brigade on March 12. He said the drills were carried out in the usual smart and efficient manner and tho station and equipment was found in firstclass order. The estimates for the ensuing year were adopted. They involve a sum of £4587/15/(3.