BULLS FORMS VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 169, 19 July 1945, Page 3

BULLS FORMS VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

MUCH ENTHUSIASM SHOWN (0.C.) Bulls, July 18. The chairman of the Bulls Town Board (Mr. R. Mackay) called a meetling pt citizens to consider the question ■of forming a Volunteer Fire Brigade at Bulls. An enthusiastic meeting rei suited. I The chairman stated that the town ;had been iortunate in the past, most 1 fires being stopped in their incipient stages. However, there had been two big fires—Criterion Hotel, 1923, and later the Sonia boardinghouse. There were always many willing helpers, but they lacked organisation. Further equipment was also desirable, the town’s biggest handicap being lack of water supply. Bulls had come to rely on the Ohakea Brigade, but this was not 'always available. i The Town Board would be willing to help financially, and had already provided two chemical engines, fire buckets and the siren alarm. The chairman also referred to the possibility of later connecting the town with the Mental Hospital water scheme. Mr. F. A. Holland also addressed the meeting, and referred to the fact that in the earlier days Bulls tackled a fire jwith nothing but labour unorganised; if a house was burned down it was not replaced. But those times had passed, the town was going ahead, and building had been necessary. Bulls had ■ plenty of workers, but was short of . equipment. If the town had a water 'supply rates would rise, but the town I would have protect’on from fire. I A general discussion followed, after which Mr. C. N. Hill moved, and Mr. D. Winks seconded “That Bulls form a volunteer fire brigade.” This was carried unanimously. The following brigade was elected: Messrs R. O’Keefe. C. N. Hill, R. Kemp, C Haycock, C. Edwards, W. Meads, S. Sanson, R. Taylor and J. Avers, with power to add; honorary secretary, Mr. D. Winks; superintendent, Mr. R O'Keefe; foreman, Mr. C. Haycock. Mr I O’Keefe pave details of the formation ■ of a fire brigade unit. At a later meeting Superintendent Grey, of Marton, attended and refer,red to the desirability of joining up ‘with the United Fire Brigade Association. Mr. Grey also gave useful and instructional information to members. On his suggestion it was decided to join up with the association. Certain equipment is to be obtained as soon as possible. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Grey for his assistance In order to obtain funds a dance is to be held in the Town Hall on August 23.