RANGIORA FIRE BRIGADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6240, 17 May 1888, Page 3

RANGIORA FIRE BRIGADE.

I. « Annual Meeting. The fourteenth annual meeting of the Eangioia Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the station on Wednesday evening. There was an attendance of sixteen .members, Superintendent Jones presiding. Fireman Richards, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, read the annual report as fellows : — "Your Committee, in presentingthe fourteenth annual report of this Brigade, have pleasure in stating that the funds are in a satisfactory state. The Borough Council grant of £20 is written as due. This, with a few smaller assets, leaves a I credit balance of £23 10s 6d. The want of a new working uniform is now much felt, and strenuous efforts should continue to be made to procure the same as soon as poseible. In February last a team from the Brigade attended the United Fire Brigades' annual competition, held in Christchurch, and competed in Beveral events, but were not successful in gaining any prizes. For this purpose we deemed it wise not to touch the Brigade funds, and a subscription was opened up with the result that, thanks to the generosity of the public, sufficient money was raised to pay all expenses. No fires of a serious nature have occurred during the year, and on two occasions only h ave the services of the Brigade been required. This is one of the lowest fire records for any year since the formation of the Brigade in 1874. The Brigade is not at its full strength, and a few able men are required to make np the full complement of members. In conclusion, we would thank you for the courtesy extended to us during the year, and trust that the same consideration will he shown to the Committee who may be elected for the ensuing year." .The balance-sheet showed — Beceipts, £5& Is Id; expenditure, £53 13s sd; liabilities, 10s 9d; assets, £23 Is 3d; credit balance, £22 10s 6d. In discussing the finances attention was drawn to the fact, proved by the statistics collected by the United Fire Brigades' Association, that Rangiora stood much the lowest on the list of the Brigades in the Colony, having steamers, for cheapness of working. Fireman M'Aleer moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, remarking that the outgoing Committee deserved the thanks of the Brigade and townspeople for the efficient and economical manner in which they had worked the affairs of the Brigade during the past year. Fireman Williscroft seconded the motion, and it was carried. The Superintendent then made the following appointments : — Branchmen Buckley and Gfrimwood to be respectively branchmen No. 1 and No. 2 of the No. 1 Company; and Fireman Harman to be branchman of the No. 2 Company. The Committee for the ensuing year was elected as follows : — Foreman Smith, Branchmen Buckley and Harman, Firemen Wilson, M'Cracken, and Miller. Fireman Eichards was re-nominated, but declined to stand. A vote of thanks was passed to the Auditor, Mr W. Foster, who was reappointed. Superintendent Jones intimated his intention of tendering his resignation as Superintendent, to the Borough Council at their next meeting, his reason for the step being his inability to give the time necessary for properly fulfilling the duties of theiposition. On the motion of Fireman Pain, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the outgoing Committee for the exceedingly satisfactory manner in which they had managed the affairs of the Brigade. Fireman M'Aleer moved — "That Superintendent Jones be asked to reconsider his decision to resign." Fireman Eichards, in seconding the motion, spoke in high terms of praise respecting the efficient manner in vrbidt Superintendent Jones had discharged the responsible duties of his office, and the speaker's remarks- were heartily endorsed by the other members of the Brigade present. Superintendent Jones expressed hit sincere thanks to the seconder of th< motion, and the other firemen for the kind remarks they had made, and said that he wsb afraid he could not alter his decision tc relinquish the office. He had given the mattei long andearnestconsiderationbefore T"ftfr' n £ up nia mind tc"take -tho-«tep^but-a&ilr«p-

peared to be the wish of the Brigade he would again think itover before the meeting of the Council. If he gave tro the office he did not intend to leave the Brigade, but was willing to strip off his silyer lace, and, taking the lowest position, endeavour to work himself up again. (Applause.) A vote of thanks waa then passed to the Chairman, and the meeting terminated.