GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16174, 10 July 1923, Page 9

GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL MEETING

Tho Gisborne Fire Brigade held its annual meeting last evening, Superintendent J. W. Kane presiding. The brigade was congratulated by the superintendent upon its year’s work, tie pointed out that from a fireman’s point of view the year had been quiet, but ho stressed the fact that it was a fireman’s duty to get fires under before much damage was done. Mr. F. Duncan wrote, tendering Ills resignation from the brigade, on account of his work. —It was decided to make him an honorary member. Tho election of ollicors resulted as follows :—Senior foreman, Fireman J. Weston;’’junior foreman, Fireman T. Donovan ; secretary, Fireman D. L. Ferguson; treasurer, Fireman J. T. Lloyd; lion, surgeons, Drs. Bowie and Scott; drivers, G. Sutcliffe and E. McKenzie; finance committee, Firemen W. Griffin, Lloyd, and Drummond; billiards committee, Firemen E. MeLachlan, R. Wildish, J. Weston, T. Morris, tho superintendent, and the secretary.

Tho annual report, which was read and adopted, was as follows : “We have received 26 calls since last meeting, being six less than for tho previous year. Mr. G. Smith’s sawmill was the largest,. whilst Messrs. Malcolm’s mart, and Murray, Roberts’ warehouse were the makings of good fires, had they not fortunately been suppressed early. Twentythree practice meetings and two special parades were held during the year. The attendance this year lias much improved, many getting the possible. This year's demonstration and conference was held in Dunedin, but owing to the expense, this brigade could not see their way to send a team. Before Christmas wo held a local competition, which was a great success, and had wo had the money to spare, wo could have sent a fairly good team to Dunedin. On April 13 last. Captain Hugo, Government inspector of brigades, paid us a visit, and expressed himself as well pleased with lho brigade as a whole. During the year a fine new motor Jins been added to the plant to replace the small motor, which was dismantled and sold. During the year a series of billiards and snooker tournaments were held in connection with the Kii’ker Shield, and some very close games resulted, the winner of most points for the year to have his name inscribed on tho shield. Fireman A. O. Swan was the first to earn this distinction. This year the social committee again decided to hold the annual ball, which was a success as far as dancing went, but unfortunately the weather conditions affected the attendance, which meant a considerable debit balance. The balance-sheet showed that the general fund started with a credit balance of £lB 8s 9d, donations received being £6 6s. The expenses, includthe loss on the annual ball, came to £56 7s, leaving a debit balance of £3l 12s 3d. The benevolent fund’s credit balance was £176 11s Id; interest £l7 12s 6d; while relief granted amounted to £2 10s, leaving a credit balance of £llß6 13s 9d. The trust account showed a balanco of £59 11s 2d, which includes loans to the board to procuro the large billiard table, while the billiards account shows a credit balanco of £2O 18s 6d, after transferring £8 12s 6d interest fo the benevolent fund. In conclusion, the thanks of the brigade are due to tho many citizens who have helped to make the year a success in various ways.” The winner of the last billiards tournament, Driver McKenzie, was presented witli a billiard cue.

It was mentioned that two five-year service medals were on order for Firemen F. Duncan and H. Martin, it being explained that all the brigade members except one have now had from five years’ to 40 years’ service. A vote of thanks was passed to the custodian, Fireman Morrison, for the way in which he had carried out his duties.