Citizens’ Esteem Of Mr. C. H. Chissell's Unique Record

Northern Advocate, 26 August 1943, Page 2

Citizens’ Esteem Of Mr. C. H. Chissell's Unique Record

Rarely has the head of a responsible organisation retired with such wealth of appreciative tribute as were accorded Mr C. I-I. Chissell yesterday at a largely representative gathering ol citizens in. the Borough Council Chambers. Mr Chissell. who was the founder of the Whangarei Fire Brigade. completed his 411 years of service as superintendent of the brigade at the end of May last when he retired. In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, the Deputy-Mayor (Mr D. L Smedley) presided, and associated with him was the chairman of the Whangarei F ire Board (Mr S. B. Macdonald!. Mr Macdonald said the gathering was called to do honour to a particularly fine gentleman who had lived in the community almost the whole of his life. Mr Chissell enjoyed a unique record ; n that he was founder of firefighting facilities of Whangarei and was also captain and superintendent of the brigade since its inception. It was a unique record for the Dominion. Superintendent Chissell had not only done a big job. but had done it faithfully and well. On behalf of the borough council and citizens the Deputy-Mayor paid tribute to the outstanding services rendered tc the community by Mr Chissell during the past 43 years, for which he should be proud. Mr Smedley recalled that 30 years ago the appliances were pushed by hand. The fact that the lire losses during the past few years were negligible showed the worth of the brigade. It was being handed over in a very efficient condition. Achieved By Love

Mr H. C. Rishworth, formerly chairman of the board, said he had been associated with the honoured guest in fire brigade matters for over 25 years. Mr Chissell could look back on his lifelong service with very happy feelings. His wonderful control of the men was attained by love, and he was affectionately referred tc as “the old man" in the most devoted terms. The chairman of the hospital board (Mr. J. A. S. Mae Kay) appreciated very much the work Mr. Chissell had done for the hosoital. The hospital board had under its care about 300 people, mostly housed in wooden buildings, involving great responsibility. It was a serious matter lor the board to see that the inmates and staff were as safe from fire as humanly uossible. The board had every confidence in Mr. Chissell and that confidence was justified. The board relied entirely on his judgment, and his advice was always acted upon.' “Wonderful Administrator” Mr. E. G. Tibbits, a former chairman ol the lire board, said in 26 years’ association with Mr. Chissell he had found him to be a wonderful administrator, who always worked harmoniously with the board. He was one of the best men he had ever worked with. Mr. Chissell got on well with the men because he loved them and they respected him. He was the most experienced man in Northland in fire matters, and he hoped he would live for many years to look on the brigade with pride and pleasure. Mr. A. Marsden Woods, on behalf of the chamber of commerce, said that, in addition to his unique record as superintendent, Mr. Chissell had created an enviable reputation as a Justice of the Peace. “When we come to retire may we do so with the same gratification as he must have," said Mr. Woods. Never a Cross Word A past deputy-superintendent, Mr. F. Reynolds, said: "Wo always call him ’Father'.” Thirty-nine years ago he joined the brigade, Mr. Reynolds said, and he found it hard to get out on account of the "Chief,” from whom he had never heard a cross word. "Today the brigade is more efficient than ever.” said Mr. Reynolds. A. borough council representative on the lire- board! Mr. J. S. Woolley went back to the days of the bucket brigade with which Mr. Chissell was associated. The town had a lot for which to thank Mr. Chissell. Mr. R. G. Hosking, on behalf of the citizens, said Mr Chissell was a splendid citizen, and if anything went wrong in the town which could not be fixed, they went i.o Charlie Chissell. Mr. Hosking related humorous incidents of the past. The chairman of the Whangarei Harbour Board (Mr. E. L. Whimp) said Mr. Chissell was unlike many other chisels which, when exposed to fire, lost their temper. He had never known him lo lose his temper, and the retiring superintendent had done a wonderful service for the community. The chairman of the fire board (Mr. S. B. Macdonald) said the best that could be said was not good enough. Although he had known Mr. Chissell only about three years he had been associated with many superintendents, but he had never met : a man who enjoyed the confidence and love of men as Mr. Chissell had done. On behalf of the underwriters he expressed their thanks for the many achievements of Mr. Chissell. Speaking for the board, he said the new superintendent was doing splendid work. Presentation Made The Deputy-Mayor then presented Mr. Chissell with a well-filled wallet from the citizens. Responding, Mr. Chissell said he would not have remained in the brigade five minutes if he had not enjoyed the men’s confidence. He did not take all the credit for the brigade’s efficiency and success, much of which was due to the very efficient officers and men. The brigade now had officers who could put it on a more scientific basis than ever, thus making it even more efficient. The board has never refused him anything, and he had never had an argument with the members. To meet the future development of Whangarei a better system of alarm was necessary, such as a system of call street boxes. He hoped the same confidence placed in him would be given j to the new officers. I

The Deputy-Mayor proposed the toast or the brigade, in which all had confidence. In responding, the superintendent (Mr. S. Fulljames) said as far as he was concerned the work was pretty heavy, and with the cc-operation of the officers and members, he would do all possible for the brigade and town.