MOSGIEL FIRE BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21998, 6 July 1933, Page 9

MOSGIEL FIRE BOARD

QUESTION OF AMALGAMATION

A special meeting of the Mosgiel Fire Board was held at Mosgiel yesterday afternoon. Mr A. F. Cheyne presided, and Messrs A. F. Quelch, J. F. Frew, S. B, Macdonald, and J. R. Callander were present. The superintendent (Mr J White) and the secretary (Mr R. D. Rogers) also attended the meeting, which had been called to consider the matter of amalgamating with the Dunedin Fire Board, and the secretary read w letter outlining the suggested terms in connection with the proposed amalgamation. These were as follows:—The Dunedin lire Board to provide a building adjoining the present fire station capable of housing a motor fire engine, together with accommodation for_ two men. This was subject to permission being granted by the Justice Department for the erection of such building on Government land; to purchase all present plant in use by the Volunteer F'ire Brigade; to provide and maintain a suitable motor fire engine, 300 feet extra hose, 15 working uniforms, bed and bedding for two men, and sundry necessities; to pay a retaining fee of £lO per annum to two firemen. The estimated cost for the annual payment by the Mosgiel Fire Board for this service to be £250 The above terms were based on the understanding that the brigade m Mosgiel continue on the present voluntary ba Mr Quelch reported on the result of the Borough Council’s discussions on the question of amalgamation. It favoured the proposal provided the privileges of letting the social hall and the revenue therefrom were still allowed to the local brigade, who had erected the hall by their personal efforts. ■ Mr Frew supported Mr Quelch s remarks. , . . Mr Macdonald, replying to the inquiries brought forward, expressed his pleasure to hear of the willingness of the local brigade and the Borough Council in agreeing to the amalgamation. While ho had no direct authority to say so, he was of opinion that there would be no refusal to the requests of ;the local brigade. The local men would retain their present measure of freedom in conducting the brigade affairs. Superintendent White said the members of the brigade were quite satisfied to leave it in the board’s hands to look after their interests. He could vouch for the exemplary character of his men. Mr Macdonald suggested that an agreement should be Brawn up with regard to the ownership of the social hall, reelshed, and property.—This was referred to the Mayor to bring before his council to finalise the matter with the brigade. The following resolution was then passed and the chairman was empowered to act if ,necessary:—“That the Dunedin Fire lloard be notified that the Mosgiel Fire Board was prepared to amalgamate with the former; the appointment of a representative on the Dunedin Board to be made by the Mosgiel Borough Council.” The final meeting of the board was left for a date to be fixed to suit members. At the close of the meeting the chairman (Mr Cheyne) said he was sure the step taken was a correct one and wished the amalgamation every success.