Supt. S. V. Fulljames To Retire After 50 Years

Northern Advocate, 17 August 1949, Page 4

Supt. S. V. Fulljames To Retire After 50 Years

BEFORE yesterday’s meeting of the YVhangarei Fire Board began the superintendent of the brigade (Mr S. V. Fulljames) handed in his resignation. He stated that he would complete 50 years’ brigade service on February 14, and he asked to be relieved of his office as soon as nnssihle after that date.

Mr Fulljames began his brigade service at Devonport co February 14, 1900, and remained there for nine years and seven months, before coming to Whangarei, where he has been ever since. He has been superintendent of the Whangarei brigade for about seven years. With Mr Fulljames at the Devonport Brigade was Mr If. Gladstone Hill, now of Wellington, whose son, Mr V. G. Hill, is an insurance representative on the Whangarei Board today. Mr Fulljames’ resignation was received with regret, the chairman (Mr R. V. Thompson) making reference to his faithful service to the and citizens of Whangarei. Mr H. W. James, as an ex-brigade member, said 50 years of voluntary service to any organisation was a worthy achievement. He doubted whether the public fully appreciated the sacrifice a fireman made. He was on call 24 hours a day and nothing stood in his way. GREAT SERVICE It could be said that the changeover in the lire brigade set up would bring home to the ratepayers the great service that had been rendered by the. volunteer brigade. , Mr E. L-. White, one of the insurance representatives on the board, said that a fittiig recognition ot Mr Fulljames’ service would be given at a later date. Mr Hill, in congratulating the superintendent on his long service, said bis father had started off in brigade work at the same time, but he had just found out the Mr Fulljames and his father were old pals. Mr F. C. Eyles was unable to attend the meeting this morning. Ln reply, Mr Fulljames thanked members for their remarks. He said it had been a pleasure for him to have been associated with the fire service. In retiring he would be handing over a brigade of which the new man should be proud as he was.