TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 133, 8 June 1931, Page 3

TAIHAPE

FIRE BOARD A meeting of the Taihape Fire Board was held on I rid ay even.ng, Mr i-<. B. H. de Lautour presiding over an attendance consisting of Alessrs G. li. vnaininund, N. U. Buidluw, E. Loader, \V. Henson (sccreiary) and J. Alurlxaud (superintendent of the biigude;. It wa 9 resolved to submit the bylaws to the Alimster of Internal Aixuirs fur approval. The secretary reported that undci cite Borough by-laws a person responsible lor a chimney lire was liable tu prosecution. The superintendent subnutted tho following report: “1 have to report that the brigade held one meeting and one practice during tue month. There wore no lires nor false alarms during the period. 1 have reduced the practises to one a mouth for tlie winter months. The 500 feet of hose has arrived auu the quality is equal to the sample submitted. I. will have it cut into lou foot lengths and fitted with couplings as soon as possible. Tho now drain round the station and also the tire place and cnimney in tho deputy's quarters have been completed and are a great improvement. During the month the fire alarm boxes have all been inspected and all appear tu be ha good working order. The fire-engine and plant are also in good order and condition. I have to report that my 25 years' service gold star is duo on June 20. With regard to sleeping accommodation for four firemen, which it was intended to have put on the estimates for this year, the matter was overlooked when drawing up t*.o estimates and I would recommend that this be provided as it is a necessity.” Referring to the clause in tho superintendent’s report regarding sleeping accommodation at the tire station for four firemen, the secretary remarked that as no provision had been made lor this item of expenditure in tho estimates nothing could be done this year. Air Alortland stated that when a fire* occurred tae resident fireman had to wait for three other members of the brigade to put in an appearance before the fire engine could leave the station. In the event of a big fire occurring at night, tho delay might prove serious. There were three other firemen who would be only too willing to sleep at the station if suitable accommodation were provided. It was really essential to have four resident firemen at tho station. Tho chairman was instructed to submit a report on the matter to the next meeting of the Board.

The meeting decided to request the Alayor to present Air Mortland with his gold star. Air de Lautour: As 1 happen to occupy tho position of Alayor as well as chairman of the Fire Board 1 shall have to inform myself of the decision of the meeting. (Laughter). All members of the Board are invited to be present on the occasion of the presentation. It was decided to reduce the amount charged the resident firemen lor electric light and heating from 12s 6d to 10s per month, provided no electric range is installed at the fire station. WEATHER NOTES The following weather notes for Alay havo been kindly supplied by Air A. R. Fannin, of Papakai Road, Taihape. The figures for the corresponding month last year, are given in parentheses: Mean maximum temperature in shade 51.9 (53.2), mean for month of previous 16 years 52.6; mean minimum temperature in shade 38.2 (38.2), mean for month of previous 16 years 40.8; extreme maximum temperature in shade 63.2 on 18th. (62.5 on 15th); extreme minimum temperature in share 27.4 on 23rd (28. G ot 2?rd ; mean minimum temperature on grass 29.5 (31.1), mean for month of previous 16 years 38.0; minimum temperature on grass 17.0 on 23rd (19.0 on 23rd); mean earth temperature at 2ft. 51.6 (53.0), mean for month of previous 16 years 51.3; rainfall 1.70 inches (1.84 inches), average for month for previous 27 years 3.66; number of days with rain 10 (12); maximum fall for 24 hours 0.53 on 27th (0.39 on 28th). R.S.A. The principal business transacted at the monthly meeting of the Taihape and District Returned Soldiers’ Association on Friday evening, was that dealing with the various remits to be moved at the annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to be held at Wellington on June 23 and 24. Taihape wil’ be represented at tho conference by Air L. H. Haydon, secretary of the lotal Association. The president, Air J. Thompson, presided over a satisfactory attendance Air W. White expressed disapproval of the remit from Matamata advocating the consolidation of patriotic funds. He considered that the centralisation of such funds would not be a success. The funds would be better administered by a local body. Tho chairman and Air R. D. Wilson agreea and the latter moved that the Taihape delegate be instructed to oppose the remit. The motion was “.arried. The chairman remarked that in sonic centres there was a feeling that Anzau Dav should be abolished and that a service embodying all the features of the Anzap Day service should ba held on a Sunday. He would like to know the mind of the meeting in regard to the matter. The meeting expressed itself in favour of Anzac Day being celebrated on April 25 as had been the case in the past. Air Quinn strongly opposed any reduction in the salary of the general secretary of the N.Z.R.S.A. He considered that tho general secretary earned every penny of his salary. The chairman: I agree with Air Quinn. There is too much of this salary reducing “business” going on in New Zealand.

The meeting opposed anv reduction in tho general secretary’s salary. In reply to a question, the chairman intimated that there was no likelihood of the War Pensions Board being abolished. Air A. J. Hill suggested that a social evening to which members would be invited to bring their wives, should be held under the auspices of tho Association. The suggestion was referred to the social committee for consideration. Air R. S. McDonald reported that the R.S.A. dance held on Juno 4 would show a profit of approximately £7. Receipts to date totalled £l5 19s vr.th more ticket money to come in. Expenses amounted io £9 ss. Tho meeting considered the financial result of the dance was most satisfactory. A member of the Association reported that although his physical con-

dition now prevented him from doing any work, his pension of £3 5s per month had not been increased. In vi< w of the circumstances ho considered an increase was warranted, it was decided to investigate tho case. Mr R. D. Wilson delivered an interesting address on unemployment during which he gave details of tho various relief schemes in operation at the present time. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. A bountiful supper was served at the conclusion of the meeting.