INGLEWOOD FIRE BRIGADE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1932, Page 3

INGLEWOOD FIRE BRIGADE

THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD.

TRIBUTES TO EFFICIENCY.

The annual meeting of the Inglewood Volunteer Fire Brigade Was held last night, when the Mayor, Mr. J. Gibbs, presided over a good attendance of members and hon. members.

■Superintendent E. Crossman reported: For the year ending on December 31, 1931, there were seven alarms, comprised of chimneys, hedges and a fire in the Inglewood Times printing room. All were extinguished without any insurable damage being done. The following receive honours: Fireman Gillice, 2 years’ bar, making 19 years’ service; Superintendent Crossman, 2 years’ bar, making 15 years’ service; Secretary Lindsay, 2 years’ bar, making 15 years’ service; Fireman Julian, 2 years’ bar, making 7 years’ service; Fireman V. Devereux, 5 years’ medal. In August next Fireman W. Devereux will have gained his 25 years’ gold star. All gear is in first-class condition. During the year 300 ft. of hose was purchased, and the same amount will be required this year. The total number of musters was 54. Following are the individual attendances: Superintendent Crossman 54, Fireman W. Devereux 54, Fireman Lawson 53, Deputy-Superintendent Reed 50, Fireman Gillice 50, Secretary Lindsay 49, Fireman V. King 49, Fireman Julian 49, Foreman V. Devereux 48, Foreman Sattler 44, Fireman D. Allen 42, Messenger King 42, Fireman Evetts 40, Fireman D. Parkin 24, Fireman Evans 3. Of the two last-named one had just joined the brigade and the other lived in the country. The general balance-sheet showed that receipts had totalled £BO 6s. sd. and expenditure £O5 17s. 6d., leaving a credit of £l4 Bs. lid. In the social balancesheet the receipts were £45 9s. Id. and the expenditure £3B 7s. 10d., leaving with, the £3O 6s. carried forward a credit of £37 7s. 3d.

The Mayor before presenting the honours medals stated that the borough greatly appreciated the work of the brigade. He was astounded since he had been Mayor at the work the brigade had done .for the good of (Inglewood. A short time ago he had heard four insurance agents speaking. One had said there was never fear of fire in Inglewood unless someone made the whole of the brigade drunk and took them to another town. He complimented the winners of the honours.

The following fire police were sworn in: Messrs. Spurdie, List, James and Burnip. ! The following officers were elected: Superintendent, Mr. E. Crossman; de-puty-superintendent, Mr. C. Reed; first foreman, Mr. A. Satler; second foreman, Mr. R. Evetts; secretary, Mr. T. Lindsay; auditor, Messrs. W. Devereux and J. Ross.

Several suggestions were made regarding the purchase of a new fire engine. The superintendent thanked the Mayor for the support the council had given the brigade, and expressed the hope that the brigade would continue to serve efficiently. Mr. J. Frewin, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the brigade for' the help it had given to business people in various ways. He said he had belonged to t’he brigade 32 years ago and he thought that the life of the brigade was 41 years, although no one had yet’ been able to make a definite statement as to when it was first formed.

Refreshments were provided after the meeting and a short toast list was honoured.