FIRE BOARD AFFAIRS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1932, Page 3

FIRE BOARD AFFAIRS

NEW PLYMOUTH BRIGADE. TWELVE ALARMS IN QUARTER. The quarterly meeting of the New Plymouth Fire Board was held last night, Mr. W. C. Weston presiding. Others present were Messrs J. Brown, R. Pentecost, P. Bennett, E. J. Carr and Superintendent A. Boon. The superintendent reported that 12 alarms had been recorded during the. last quarter. The full brigade had been called out on five occasions, two being for fires in buildings, one a motor-wag-gon fire and two to rubbish fires. There had also been an incipient fire in the Workers’ Social Hall, two chimney fires and four rubbish and grass fires in the vicinity of the railway line. Fifteen new alarm boxes had been fixed and some of the old ones had been removed to suit new circuits. The new circuit installation, charging apparatus and wiring were working satisfactorily. The walls, ceilings, floor and bathroom had been cleaned and painted. Fire alrm boxes and posts would be cleaned and painted before Christmas. The firebell ringing apparatus was badly « corroded and required immediate attention. It might be advisable to sell the bell and install an electric siren.

With regard to the bell Superintendent Boon said it would be expensive to repair the corroded apparatus. He would like to investigate the question of a siren which could be placed on the same stand. The motor used in the working of the bell, as well as the bell itself, could be sold. <B ‘ In reply to the chairman the superintendent, said the bell could do no damage; the only risk was a possibility that further corrosion might prevent it from ringing. The matter was left to Superintendent Boon to investigate.

The financial report stated that there was a balance on the December quarter of £317 18s 4d and the levies receivable for the March quarter amounted to £573 6s Id. The quarter’s accounts passed for payment totalled £lOO4 Ils 9d.

Plans of a bicycle shed, combining a small storeroom, for erection in the backyard were submitted by Superintendent Boon. The cost would be approximately £3O. It was decided to proceed with the work, labour from the station' to be used.

It was decided to hold a special meeting towards the end of. January to consider the purchase of a new fire tender.