GORE FIRE BRIGADE

Southland Times, Issue 22217, 9 January 1934, Page 9

GORE FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Gore Fire Brigade states: — The executive has to advise another year of steady progress. The year 1933 has not been a strenuous one as far as serious fires are concerned, and the number of fire calls was 20, classified as follows: Business premises, one; dwellings, four; chimneys, four; grass and hedge fires, six; motor cars, three; stable, one; outhouse, one. The outbreak in Rose’s shop in Main Street was the worst we had to contend with while all the others were speedily quelled. Although Woods’ house in Rose street was badly damaged, it was remarkable how quickly the flames were subdued, and this eloquently demonstrated the efficiency of our firefighting plant. The wisdom of purchasing an up-to-date engine and pump is now recognized by the residents of the town, and it cannot fail to give them an added sense of security in the case of any serious outbreak. During the year the brigade members were called together on 34 occasions, and the average attendance was 78.8 per cent., which is very satisfactory, as on different occasions members were out of town during musters. At the present time the strength of the brigade is 17 members and six fire police. During the year Fireman E. Murphy resigned on account of being transferred to Invercargill. Prior to his removal he was made the recipient of a small presentation from the members. We were also unfortunate in losing the services of Mr John Matthews, who had been sergeant of the fire police corps since its inception. During his five years’ service he proved most efficient and enthusiastic, and it was with real regret that he was farewelled by the brigade. Fire policeman D. F. Tait was elected sergeant in his stead, and under him the corps continue to give of its best efforts. The bi-annual demonstration of the Southern Districts Association is,to be held at Oamaru at Easter, and our members are now training hard to defend the championship and trophies won by them at the last demonstration held at Gore. We wish them every success at the present time. Captain F. Wallis is senior vice-president of the association, while Fireman L. G. Thomson has been reappointed auditor.

The finances of the brigade continue to be satisfactory. The plant account, which started the year with a debit balance of £3 odd, is now in credit to the extent of £ll. As tho subsidy from the Borough Council amounts to £lOO per annum, out of which we have to supply all petrol, repairs, hose and couplings, charring and all other incidental expenses, we think that the citizens will realize that they are getting fire protection at an extremely low cost per capita. The private account, which was serioulsy depleted last year, stands at about the same balance as at the beginning of the term. The ambulance account still continues to show a satisfactory balance,

and in this connection we must again express our thanks to the members who look after it, particularly Fireman C. M. Wallis, who is in charge. On different occasions the officers of the Southland Hospital Board have passed laudatory, comment on the way the ambalance is kept. In conclusion, the officers confidently look to members of the brigade for the same enthusiasm and efficiency in their voluntary duties which have been manifested since the inception of the brigade.