VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 331, 17 July 1914, Page 4

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

There was a poor attendance at the supper room of the Town Hall last evening, in response to an invitation to those interested in the reorganising of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. Mr A. S. Wallace who occupied the chair, briefly outlined the objects of the meeting, which was to re-organise the old fire brigade. In future the brigade would be under the control of the Town Board, and as the water supply would be available neit week, it was only right and proper that Te Awamutu should have a properly-equipped volunteer fire brigade, so that in the event of a fire the services of a trained body of men would be available. The object, he said, was one deserve •ing the support of all the townspeople. Whether there would be a rebate or not in the insurance it would be a satisfaction to know thgy had a. band of volunteers willing to give their services in preventing the loss of property by fire.

Dr Reekie moved that the meeting recommend the re-organisa-tion of the Fire Brigade, and call for volunteers, and that the Town Board be asked to draw up rules and by-laws for the guidance and control of the brigade. Mr Owsley said he thought they should elect officers and submit them to the Board for confirmation. He suggested that ten men comprise the brigade. On being put to the meeting the chairman declared Dr Reekie’s motion carried. The chairman then called for volunteers, and the following signified their intention of becoming members : —Messrs Owsley, Bockett, Bickerstaff, Andrew, Moeller, Blackburn, and Dr Reekie. It was resolved that the foregoing form the nucleus of a fire brigade.

In answer to the chairman, Mr Owsley stated that uniforms would be required, arid these could be obtained after the election of officers.

Mr Moeller was ol the opinion that it would be advisable to have the town divided into wards, which he said would be a simple matter.

Dr Reekie suggested that they should elect a captain and secret tary pro tem. They could get to' work and receive volunteers, call a further meeting and elect permanent officers. On the motion of Mr Moeller it was agreed that Dr Reekie be elected captain.

The chairman proposed that Mr Boekett be appointed secretary.—Carried.

It was agreed on the motion of Dr Reekie that the town board be asked to have a set of rules printed, and endeavour to have a reel shed erected, embracing a meeting room for the men, on the site of the present 15M1 tower. The brigade/meet next Thursr day evening /t the town board’s? office. /