RETURNED EN BLOC

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19375, 13 July 1937, Page 3

RETURNED EN BLOC

FIRE BRIGADE OFFICERS ELECTION'S ELIMINATED fiiTH YEAR CLOSED Officers of the Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade were returned en bloc to their respective posts at the fiftyfourth annual meeting of the brigade, held last evening at the station. The elimination of contests for any of the posts was commented upon by the chairman, Superintendent .1. W. Kane, as a satisfactory evidence of the smooth running of the brigade under the existing arrangements. The work of the brigade during the year just closed had been lighter than usual, the report stated, and the majority of the 28 calls received had involved only minor outbreaks. The brigade had held 25 ordinary meetings and practices, and two special meetings and parades, the attendance on all occasions having been satisfactory.

The work of the brigade had been favourably commented upon by the inspector of fire brigades, Mr. R. Girling Butcher, on his annual visit of inspection. The position of the finances was further improved during the year, the benevolent fund having escaped culls of any kind, and the general funds being in a sound condition. Hearty Assistance Recognised The thanks of the brigade were accorded to the honorary surgeons, Drs. W. A. Bowie and H. A. Angell; to the Gisborne Fire Police Corps; the staffs ol' the telephone exchange, the Power Board and Gas Company: the Police Force, and the press, and to all who had given assistance to the brigade in efficiently carrying out its duties.

Congratulating the secretary, Mr. D. L. Ferguson, on the position shown in the report and statement of accounts, the chairman commented on the year as a quiet, one for the brigade. He thanked the officers and men for the prompt and effective performance of their duties throughout the year, and mentioned especially the work of the station officer, Mr. S. Wildish, and the custodian of the buildings and plant. Mr. T. Sheen, who were accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

Moving' Into New Station

Mr. Kane expressed the hope that before the completion of another year, the brigade would be housed in the new quarters, and that the facilities for fire-fighting would be even more in keeping with the efficiency of the personnel. Fireman W. McLeod was presented by the chairman with a five-year service medal, and Foreman A. E. Drummond, who has completed 21 years’ service, received a two-year bar to add to those already in his possession.

The officers for the ensuing year are as for last year, the various posts being filled as under:—-Senior foreman, Mr. T. J. Donavan; junior foreman, Mr. A. E. Drummond; secretary, Mr. D. L. Ferguson; treasurer. Mr. J. P. Weston; hon. surgeons, Drs. W. A. Bowie and H. A. Angell; social committee, Messrs. S. Wildish, D. Brown, K. McLeod, A. Bound, W. McLeod, P. McMahon, superintendent and secretary ex officio: gymnasium club, Messrs. J. P. Weston, C. Srnythe, D. Brown. A. Kcrans, P. McMahon, W. McLeod, and T. Stevens.