SMALL FIRE LOSS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1935, Page 8

SMALL FIRE LOSS

HAWERA TOTAL OF £37 FOR YEAR. FIRE BOARD'S ANNUAL MEETING An estimated total fire loss of £37 Is 6d for the year- ended March 31, 1935. •was reported at the annual meeting of the Hawera Fire Board by the brigade superintendent, Mr. A. Morrison. Of this amount, the property loss not covered by insurance was £26. Members of the board paid tribute to the work of ;.the brigade in keeping losses so low.

In his report, Superintendent Morrison said that during the year ended March 31, 24 fire calls .were received. They comprised one dwelling, one detached shed, two motor-cars, one hay stack, six chimneys, seven hedge, grass and rubbish, and six false alarms. The summary of risks was one dwelling, one detached shed, two motor-cars and one haystack, and the causes were hot ashes in two cases, ignition of petrol vapour, one, short circuit ignition system, one, and children playing with matches, one. The estimated loss of property not covered by insurance was £26 12s 6d and the estimated loss of property covered by insurance £lO 15s, an estimated total fire loss of £37 7s 6d.

The present strength of the brigade was 19, including officers .and men, all of whom were fit and well and were carrying out their duties in a satisfactory manner. The average attendance of members at all musters was 92.5 per cent.

In addition to attending fire calls and drills, firemen were stationed for duty at each place of public entertainment having a seating accommodation of 500 persons or more. Totals of 693 theatre duties and 363 watchroom duties were carried out during the year. Four men passed the last examination held by the New Zealand Fire Brigades Officers and Members Institute and others were preparing for an examination to be held next September. Fireman 11. Warner was elected a vice-president of the Taranaki District U.F.B.A. A Christmas tree, an annual event, brought .much happiness to the firemen’s children. The Bone Cup competition, which included three motor events, was won by Fireman R. Gates, \C. Perrett and .J. Moore. These activities, coupled with monthly billiard tournaments and winter indoor games, assisted in keeping members fit and working in harmony. Service honours had been presented to the following members: Fireman C. Perrett, three years’ certificate; Fireman R. Gates, five years’ medal; Foreman E. Hart, two years' bar; Superintendent A. Morrison, two years’ bar. Throughout the Dominion, beginning on March 18, fire prevention week was put into operation. The Hawera group of Girl Guides completed a course of instruction in fire prevention and lifesaving matters. Fire motors and appliances were In good working order. A total of 400 feet of Camel brand fire hose had been placed in commission The duplex street alarm system and the siren had been regularly tested and were in good order. All the street hydrants had been inspected and cleaned, both inside and on the surface.

As well as being tested periodically by a representative of the South Taranaki Electric Power Board the plant at the water tower was tested weekly and was in good running order. As far as the average standing water pressure was concerned readings at the fire brigade station from April, 1934, to March, 1935, showed the pressures to be: 9 a.m., 331 b; noon, 331 b; 5 p.m., 401 b; 9 p.m., 471 b. The team representing the brigade at the United Fire Brigades Association’s competitions recently held at Blenheim put up a creditable performance in securing third position and winning the Manual Shield and the Camel Shield.

The superintendent suggested tlw following items be provided for in the estimates: One variable and shut-off nozzle, £4 15s; uniform working trousers, £8; belts, pouches, etc., £7 ss; total, £2O. The matter of replacing iron on the roof of the fire station and painting of the building claimed the early attention of th« board.

As requested the board made provision in the estimates for the £2O required, and provision was also made for painting and repairing the roof of the brigade building. Those present were Messrs. L. A. Bone (chairman), E. K. Cameron, L. H.’ Clapham, J. D. Robb, J. H. Scanlan, and the secretary, Mr. H. S. Elliot.