FIRE-FIGHTING IN ELTHAM

Taranaki Daily News, 27 July 1934, Page 9

FIRE-FIGHTING IN ELTHAM

BOARD’S QUARTERLY MEETING. \ ■ SERVICE TO OUTSIDE AREAS. The quarterly meeting of the Eltham Fire Board was held at Eltham yesterday, when there were present Messrs. I. J. Bridger (chairman), S. O. Jones, N. Trewby, J. H. Morton and the superintendent, Mr. H. A. Nuttall. The superintendent reported that two fires occurred, one at the shop of Mr. J. D. McKay and one at an outhouse belonging to Mr. Collingwood. The total loss on the former was £463, although the fire was quickly under control. A new variable nozzle in the brigade’s equipment proved very valuable, and the board should procure another as often two leads had to be used. These nozzles enabled the water to be shut off and damage restricted. The second fire was of a minor nature, the damage being only £lO. This fire was dqe to a spark from the washhouse chimney. Everything at the station was satisfactory. Four firemen were sleeping on the premises. The brigade was at full strength, one member having left and one new one having joined up. The musters and practices had been well maintained and the work of the members had been very satisfactory. Water pressure had been well maintained. It was decided to provide for an additional nozzle on next year’s estimates, also to obtain three pairs of trousers for firemen. Mr. Trewby said there was some uncertainty among the insurance companies regarding the extent of the fire board’s area and the insurance premiums on which the fire board levy should be paid. After a discussion he moved that the companies be circularised to the effect that the fire board’s area comprised the whole of the borough of Eltham and was not confined to the D tariff area. This was carried. A discussion took place on service at fires outside the borough. The superintendent pointed out that the board had decided that the brigade was not to go outside the area. Mr. Bridger considered that it would be very hard to let a place on a boundary, such as Clifford Road, bum down if it were within the power of the brigade to save it. Finally it was decided to rescind the previous resolution and give the superintendent power to go to fires outside the borough with the permission of the chairman or member of the board. Mr. Trewby raised the point where water had been turned off at a main for repairs or inspection and had not been properly turned on again, thus reducing the pressure. This had occurred in other districts. He suggested a periodical inspection by the board to test the pressure in all areas. Superintendent Nuttall said he could arrange to test a certain area each practice night and complete the whole area within the quarter. There were some plugs that had never been attended to. It was decided to request the borough overseer to see that water pressure was fully restored in cases where it had been turned off for any purpose.