TE AWAMUTU FIRE BOARD

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 54, Issue 3894, 26 April 1937, Page 5

TE AWAMUTU FIRE BOARD

QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL MEETING. SATISFACTORY RECORD. At the quarterly meeting of the Ta Awamutu Fire Board, there were present, Messrs H. C. Rainey (chairman) W. J. North H. Dunean, T. D. A. Burt, and T. D. McArthur. The Superintendent reported as follows: “Fire Calls: The number of calls received during the year was seven, a decrease of six as compared with last year and the lowest number since 1932. Of these one was a property fire, one motor truck fire, two mcitor car fires and three chimney fires. “I am pleased to record that no serious fires occcurred, the most serious being the motor truck when damafe amounting to £lOO resulted. “Practiced and Parades: The total musters fcr the vear were 55 made up as follows:—Practices 52, general fire calls 3. The members have continued to show a keen interest in their work, and have maintained a very creditable attendance record. The discipline and general efficiency df all ranks is very satisfactory. “Personnel of the Brigade: The present strength of the Brigade is as fellows: Superintendent, DeputySuperintendent, one foreman, one station officer, 10 firemen and one messenger. Total 15. The station officer and three firemen reside at the station.

“There were five resignations during the year and five new members (one an ex-fireman) enrolled. “Two senior firemen, Messrs G. Swain and C. A. Morris resigned owing to their not being able to give the time to Brigade matters. Two resignations resulted through members leaving the district and one through sickness. “Competitions: The N,ew Zealand Fire Brigade competitions were held at Nelson early in March. The Te Awamutu Brigade was represented by four men under Foreman Irwin. They competed in all events but were not successful. “The Howden and Hill Maloney Shields competitions were held at Pukekohe on Easter Saturday when the same team competed but again were not successful in any cf the events.

“Social Activities: The two annual social functions of the Brigade, namely the annual ball and the bonfire, were held as usual, the ball on September, 2nd and the bonfire on November sth. Both functions proved a success.

“Buildings: During the year it was found necessary to install two electric radiators in the living quarters of the fire station to counteract the dampness. There are several large eracks in the walls and the rain seeps through in many places. “Your attention is drawn to. the increase of buildings both in the business and residential areas of this town and in consequence the increase of the fire risks within the Board’s area. “It is deemed advisable to have the firemen congregate more often at the fire station with a view to having an engine crew in readiness during the early hours of the evening so as to reduce to a minimum the time taken to respond to fire calls during these hiurs. “Further social life is an essential part of fire brigade activities. At present this is not possible owing to the jack of a suitable recreation room. “In addition, it is found that the engine room of the present station is inadequate owing to the space being taken up by the larger fire engine, the hose trough and the hose drying pegs. Station drills and lectures are taken under cramped conditions.

“I would therefore direct your attention to these matters with a view to considering the widening and enlarging of the engine room and erecting a social rooip at the rear or procuring a more suitable site and reefing a more modern station. GEAR AND EQUIPMENT. The following equipment was placed in commission:— 300 ft. 2Jin. canvas hose; 100 ft. 21 in. rubber lined hose; salvage sheet; 71ft. suction hose; red cross outfit; salvage gear (mops and brooms, etc.) 4 chafing mats; 5 extra nozzles; 1 reducing lead. An order has: been placed for 4 smeke masks and these should be available about the end cf April. Water Pressure and Fire Plugs:— The water pressure as recorded at the fire station is maintained at 351bs in the daytime to 1251bs at night. The fire plugs are at present in fair order, although some on the newly formed Kihikihi Road require raising and several indicators require attention. The practice cf the Borough Council Authorities inserting white tiles on the kerbing on new footpaths is a distinct improvement and should prove cf great assistance in readily locating the plugs at night-time. Conclusion:—ln conclusion I wish to tender my thanks to the members and the secretary of the Fire Board for the consideration given to all matters concerning the welfare and efficiency of the Brigade. I wc/uld also like to record my thanks to the staff of the Telephone Exchange for their ready assistance when called upon.” The report was received and adopted. It was decided to vote £2 2s to the King George Memorial Fund. ANNUAL MEETING. At the annual meeting which followed immediately afterwards, Mr H. C. Rainey was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The chairman reported as follows: “During the past year the Brigade has maintained its usual efficiency, the attendance record maintaining a very high percentage. The loss through fire being only £l2l IQs’, a very small amount. The brigade again attended the Dominion and Auckland competitions but were not successful, but the experience gained should be of great service to them. The electric alarm system still gives good service, the Telephone Exchange staff giving their full co-operation to the

scheme. The secretary, has as usual, conserved the finances of the Board, which is now progressing on very sound lines.” SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The superintendent reported as fellows: “Fire Calls:—Two fire calls were received during this period as follows: 3 p.nu, 14th January, 1937. Advance Cars motor car fire, minor damage. 3.48 p.m,., 20th February, 1937. Andrew & Sons, motor truck fire. “Practices and Parades: The usual weekly practices have been held and attendance maintained. I attach hereto on separe sheets particulars of the attendances at practices and fire calls. “Gear and Equipment: The motor and reel gear equipment are in good order.” GENERAL MATTERS. At the request of the superintendent it was decided to call the attention of the Borough Council to the state of the fire plugs, some cf which had been covered up as a result of alterations and improvements to the roads. Tha insurance representatives on the Board directed attention to the barking of cars over fire plugs, contending that cars should be at least six feet away. It was decided to direct the attention of the authorities to the fact.