OPOTIKI FIRE BOARD

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 321, 11 October 1940, Page 2

OPOTIKI FIRE BOARD

QUARTERLY MEETING FREEDOM FROM FIRES The quarterly meeting of. the Opotiki Fire Board was held in the board’s room on Wednesday night. Present: Messrs. F. J. Short (chairman), Moody, Gordon, Wilson, Gumming, Cave (secretary)’ and Shaw (superintendent). The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. Prior to commencing business the chairman welcomed Mr. Watt, an old Opotiki Board member and now a member of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board. Mr. Wyatt, in reply, said he was pleased to renew old acquaintances. Included in the inward correspondence was a leter from Mr. Gumming dealing with the hose repair outfit and vulcaniser. —The superintendent informed the board that the hose repair outfit was giving every satisfaction. The board decided to secure a further supply of the rivets, as these might be difficult to secure later on.

Mr. E. L. Walton (Magistrate’s Court), wrote in connection with hotel alarm boxes, saying the matter was receiving attention. —The superintendent said the boxes had been altered.—The letter was “received.”

The Opotiki Borough Council wrote stating that Brabant Streetreticulation would receive attention as soon as possible. The letter also intimated that the penalty for any chimney catching fire was a fine of not more than £2o.—The chairman informed members that the pipes for Brabant Street were now available, having first been used on a by-pass job. A letter was also received on the problem of the importation of fire fighting hose. It was stated in the communication that it was hoped to receive 5000 feet of hose from England for New Zealand. The board decided to order 300 feet of hose. The superintendent reported that the brigade had approximately 800 feet of first class hose, whereas actually they should have 1800 feet, this being the length considered necessary. The chairman reported on the steps taken in connection with the Emergency Precautions Regulations. Mr. Gumming congratulated Mr. Short on the work already done.

The superintendent’s report was approved. Mr. Short congratulated the superintendent and brigade on

keeping up Jheir strength despite the calling up of brigade members ; also for the very good attendances. The question of motorists parking too close to fire plugs was discussed. The Auckland members expressed surprise that the magistrate had not entered a conviction Jn a recent :ourt ease. It was stated that motorists were not ignorant of the regulation. Gas Masks. —Mr. Wilson offered to make enquiries about addtional gas-masks. Accounts as presented were passed for payment. The balance-sheet wa s received from the Audit Department.—-The board decided to have same printed and circulated. A r ote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. Superintendent’s Report. The following report was submitted _by Mr. J. Shaw, fire brigade superintendent, for the quarter ending 31st. September:— Station. —The station and grounds are in good repair and being kept clean and tidy. Fire Engine.—The fire engine and all hose and gear is in good working order and condition. I would remind you of keeping in touch w.th the hose position, so that if possible we could procure some new liose if any is available. Alarm System.—The alarm system is in fairly good order at present, and has given very little trouble’this* period. Fires.—l am pleased to report that we have had no fires this quart-

Brigadc.—The brigade is at full strength. Several members are away on active service, and have becu replaced. We also have taken in several auxiliary firemen for training under the emergency regulations. There have been 12 musters and three meetings, and the average attendance has been 12 members. General.—Much of the work authorised by the board at the last meeting has been completed. The sump in the back yard has been concreted, the divisions have been put in the hose box on the fire engine, and faulty alarm boxes repaired.' The vise for the gear shed has also arrived and been installed. The hose mending outfit has been put into use, and a good deal of hose repaired. All firo plugs have been inspected during the last two weeks and were found in the best condition that they have ever been in. I would like to see a different method of marking plugs in the business area if the board could take the matter up with the council. I also suggest that when possible, the council make provision for taking a main to about half way down Victoria Street.

I would suggest that you write to the Inspector of Fire Brigades re the gas masks which were to be procured. Possibly they aright be procurable through his recommendation. I understand the masks are unprocurable through the usual channels just now,