FIRE BOARD MEMBERS PRAISE MR WILLIAMS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18684, 13 February 1929, Page 4

FIRE BOARD MEMBERS PRAISE MR WILLIAMS.

Mr A. Williams, who was not re-ap-pointed by the City Council to the Fire Board, attended a meeting of the beard for the last time last evening, and he thanked the chairman and members for many courtesies. He said that it was a great pleasure to him to sit on the board during the past sixteen years. He also was indebted to the superintendent, the staff, and the secretary. The Christchurch Fire Brigade, he considered, was the premier fire brigade in New Zealand. It compared favourably with brigades in the Commonwealth. During the past two years the sub-stations had been brought up to a high standard. The City Council felt that it should have one of its own members to represent it in his place, but he felt satisfaction in the knowledge that, while he was on the board, he had done something to improve the men’s quarters, and to further the board’s work in other ways, lie was sure that the board would continue to hold the confidence of the public.

Mr K. W. Robinson said that memibers of the board regretted that Mr Williams’s name did not begin with “A” instead of “W.” If it began with “A” he might have remained a member of the board. His retirement was very regrettable.

Mr H. R. Rusbridge said that he had sat on the board with Mr Williams for sixteen years, and had found it a pleasure to work with him. The Mayor said that he sincerely appreciated Mr Williams’s services. On behalf of the whole city, he could say that Mr Williams was recognised as an energetic and efficient member of the board. The other members were exceedingly sorry that he had not been re-appointed. The step had been taken on the principle that the City Council should have one of its own members on the board in Mr Williams’s place. Mr Williams had ably served the community, in a spirit of sincerity. Mr J. R. Cameron (chairman), said that Mr Williams had given him great help. Mr G. D. M’llraith would not come back to the board, and another insurance company’s representative would take his place. The City Council naturally wished to have its own members on the board, and it was only to be expected that Mr Williams would not be appointed, but his retirement was the subject of much regret amongst members.