VALUABLE WORK OF BRIGADE

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1934, Page 3

VALUABLE WORK OF BRIGADE

ANNUAL MEETING OF FIRE BOARD I SMALL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. The cash value to property-owners of the work done by the New Plymouth Fire Brigade was forcibly shown by offi- - cial figures supplied to the Fire Board at its annual meeting last night. Comparatively small damage was done by fire at New Plymouth during the year ending March 31, although 47 outbreaks reported during that period endangered 23 buildings and contents of an estimated > value of £36,252. The actual loss suffered by both underwriters and the public was only £2561 0s Id. Records of insurance policies held showed that neither the buildings nor their contents were covered by insur- . ance to their full assessed value. The buildings threatened were valued, at £23,789 and insurance policies were for £18,325. The contents were valued at £12,463 and insurances held totalled £9035. The chairman of the board, Mr. W. C. Weston, remarked that the year could only be regarded as a highly satisfactory one, and the brigade had kept up to the mark in every respect. As regarded the administration of board matters, he was grateful for the support accorded him by other members. Records of the meetings held during the year showed that there had been an attendance of 100 per cent, of the members. In considering the estimates of expenditure for the ensuing year members remarked that very considerable reduction* had been effected last year, but that it was not proposed to relax the exercise of economy. The estimated sum to be spent in operating and maintenance charges, administrative and general expenses this year was £1974, a slight reduction on the actual expenditure of the board last year. At the conclusion of the meeting votes of thanks were accorded the superintendent, personnel of the brigade and the secretary for their work during the year. In reply Superintendent A. Boon said that the board had been generous in supplying funds to the brigade wherever new equipment was needed, and that it had been a pleasure to work in conjunction with a body so keenly interested in the work.

Those present at the meeting were Messrs. W. C. Weston, F. Amoore, E. J. Carr, P. L. Bennett, Superintendent Boon, Captain Petty and the secretary, Mr. L. M. Monteith.