PATEA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Patea Mail, Volume L, 9 August 1929, Page 2

PATEA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the i'atea Volunteer Fire Brigade was held iii the Fire Brigade Hall on Wednesday, Captain C. H. Carey presiding ever a good attendance of members. His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Christensen, and Pettigrew, and Messrs Finlayson and ex-Captain Gleuuy and Captain Tinney were also present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Before proceeding with the business, Captain Carey extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor, councillors, and visitors. The annual report was read stating that the finances of the brigade were most satisfactory. The membership was very satisfactory; three members had resigned and Fireman Spoone.fr had retired after 34 years', service. The, brigade had received five calls during the year, two being of a serious nature, that at the Freezing Works, where a good save was made, and that at the ■Whcnuakura Factory, where, owing to lack of water, little could be done.

The balance-sheet was also read, showing a debit in general account of £BO 11s 5d and in private account'a credit balance of £146 11s lOd.

In moving the adoption of the; report and balance-sheet, Captain Carey stated that the Borough Council had agreed to wipe off the debit balance in general account, which would result in the brigade being on a much better footing next year. The resolution was seconded by Secretary Fish. Mr. Finlayson expressed his pleasure :it the prosperous condition, of the brigade. He was quite sure that both the Borough Council and the town would do what they could for the brigade. He congratulated the brigade on the excellence of their work during the year, particularly at the , Meat Works fire and ■‘Whcnuakura fire. The brigade deserved commendation. for going out of their district and at their own risk doing what they did. His Worship said he had always endeavoured to be present at every annual meeting of the' brigade, being an old fireman himself. Ho heartily enuorsud all that Mr. Finlayson had said with regard to the good work of die brigade during the year. The people of the town were indebted to the origade for the unselfish work freely and ungrudgingly given. As long as he had any interest in the town he would do what he could for the brigade.* He cungraitulatod them most ueartily on the excellence of their work during the year. Apologies for non-attendance were received from ex-Captain Adams and ox-Foreman M. Carey.

Councillor Christensen in a. brief speech also congratulated the brigade on the healthy state of their finances. The resolution was then put and j-arried.

At the request of Captain Carey, His Worship the Mayor came forward to install the officers. Before installing tiro officers His Worship complimented Captain Carey on the. splendid re cord ho had achieved. He was a; pattern for the other members to follow, both in competition work and as a general. He then installed the officers as follows:—

Captain: P. Fitzwater. Lieutenant: G. Willis. Secretary: N. Goad. Foreman ISTo. 1; W. Willis. Foreman No. 2: It. Adams,

In conclusion, His Worship expressed the hope that the brigade would be a pattern to brigades in the Dominion. . Captain Fitzwater, in returning thanks for the honour conferred upon him, said he would try and do his best for the brigade and for the ratepay[whom they iw'cre pri,Vjileg|cd to serve.

Lieutenant Wills, Secretary Goad, and Foreman! Willis also returned thanks.

Honours won during the year were then presented as follows: Christensen Sheild and Miniature Cup; Foreman W. Willis 1, Foreman R. Adams 2.

First Sheild .Competition Medal: Captain Fitzwater 1, Fireman Adams

Mr. Haworth’s Trophy: Fireman R Adams 1, Captain Fitzwater 2. Second Shield Competition and Fireman C. Adams’ Medal: Fireman Macken I.

Third Shield Competition and Captain Tinuoy’s Medal: W. Willis 1, If, Goad 2.

Two Years’ Service Bar: Captain Fit/:water, 15 years. Two Years’ Service Bar: "Fireman Lowry, .18 years. Two Years’ Service Bar; Lieutenant Willis, 10 years. 1 Two Years’ Service Bar; Fireman Sedgman, 13 years. Throe Years!’ Certificate: Fireman Ramsbottom.

1 Mr. Finlaysou congratulated the brigade on the officers elected. Ho was pleased to see the young .blood that was coming forward to take the place of the older members, who were retiring. He was quite sure the brigade 'would have a good year both with the officers and the team. Mr. Fin--layson stressed the need for ''team work,” and expressed the hope that members would support the officers and fulfil the duties required of them. Ho wished them a most successful year.

hU-.S. is a signal for aid, When we’re in danger and feel afraid. S.O.S. brings us confidence .sure, When wc’vo Woods’ Great Peppermint

Cure. S.O.S. sends u blessing worth gold, When we’re distressed by a cough or

cold. S.O.S. instant case will assure. “Code” for Woods’ Great Peppermint . Cure.

year.

Ex-Captain Glcnny also congratulated the members on their choice of officers. He agreed with Mr. Finlayson that the brigade to achieve sue- - cess must have team work. They could -fclect the best captain in Dominion but without team work thej® would not succeed. With unity and .sympathy between officers and men. they would achieve what they were appointed to do —protect the lives and property of the people of Patca. The speaker congratulated tho members on the excellent save effected at the late Moat Works fire, and speaking .as an experienced man be could say. that their work was equal to that of any brigade in the Dominion. He wished them a most successful year. Mr. P. Spooner endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and stressed the need for unity in order to achieve success. It was 34 years since he had joined the brigade and it only seemed yesterday, 34 years seemed a long time to look forward to, but it seemed very little when one looked backward. He asked young members to bear this fact in mind. He wished members a most successful year. At the request of Captain Fitzwater His Worship the Mayor presented exSccretary Fish, who is leaving the district, with a handsome clock suitably inscribed. The clock, His' Worship - said, was a small token of the high esteem in which their late secretary was held by members of the brigade. Ho wished him every happiness and prosperity in his new home. Ex-Captain Carey also paid a warm tribute to the work of Secretary Fish, who had done his work faithfully and well. Ho wished him and his family every success in the future. Mrs. Fish had always been, ready to assist tho brigade at any of its social functions and he wished them again every success in the future.

Mr. Fish, in thanking members, for the gift, .said his work had been a labour of love. Tho -presentation had come as a complete surprise to him and he thanked them most sincerely for it.

Fireman- E. Adams and ex-Captain Carey were appointed,to act with the officers as a committee for the year.

Fireman Macken and Neilson were appointed jbranchmcn 'and Firemen Carey and Lovc-ridge hydrantmen. Lieutenant Willis moved a. hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had assisted them during the year. Seconded by Fireman C. Adams and carried.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded His Worship the Mayor for attending and presenting the honours won during the year and installing the officers. His Worship suitably replied and stated that his sympathy was always with the .brigade, whose work was - always one of self, sacrifice. On the motion of Fireman 0. Adams a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the councillors, Press, auditors, and all who had assisted during the year.

Branchman Keilsoh and the Town Clerk were appointed auditors for the

The roll was then called and the meeting terminated.