HUNTERVILLE TOWN BOARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 85, 12 April 1946, Page 7

HUNTERVILLE TOWN BOARD

FIRE-FIGHTING SERVICE

COMMENT BY CHAIRMAN (0.C.) Hunterville, April 9. An appeal to members of the board to take a greater interest in the affairs of the fire brigade was made by the chairman (Cr. R. A. Gordon) at last night’s meeting of the Hunterville Town Board. “We have £lOOO worth of fire lighting equipment for which the rate payers have not had to pay a cent,” he said, “but members of the board do not seem to be showing sufficient interest.’’ The director of fire brigades (Mr. Girling Butcher) had visited the town last week, Mr. Gordon added, but no member of the board apart from himself had attended the conference. The brigade had 1000 feet of new hose and a trailer pump worth £6OO. An extra 500 feet had been promised and 400 feet of old hose would be recoupled. “In my" capacity of superintendant of the brigade I am disappointed in the lack of interest of board members,” he concluded, “and I appeal for greater co-operation." The clerk reported on the meeting with Mr. Girling Butcher, stating that several members of the brigade had attended with the chairman. Mr. Girling Butcher had given an instructive outline of the Government's proposed re-organisation of the fire service and had dealt with the setting up of fire committees in each district. Local brigades would be required to give fire service outside their own area for which they would be compensated. Commenting further on Mr. Girling Butcher’s visit the chairman said that the visitor was very pleased with the local brigade and had congratulated the brigade on its enthusiasm. Anzac Day Service.

A deputation from the R.S.A. consisting of Messrs. R. M. S. Jones and W. C. Smith and Rev. W. L. Low, waited on the board with suggestions for the organising of the public service on the afternoon of Anzac Day. Mr. Jones said that in the past the service had been arranged by Mr. James Bull, who was now unfortunately indisposed. As it was a citizens’ service the responsibility rested with the local authority and he suggested that the service could be more graciously carried out if there was an organised parade of appropriate bodies. Public interest in Anzac Day was still very much alive and the R.S.A. promised full co-operation in the organising of the service.

The other members of the deputation endorsed Mr. Jones’ remarks. It was unanimously decided to endorse the suggestions and a committee consisting of Crs. Crichton. Dillon and Hallwood was set up to make the arrangements and submit these to the R.S.A. for their approval. General Business. Cr. Dillon referred to the sinking of the approaches to the main traffic bridge in the town and the matter was referred to the Works Committee for a report. The Main Highways Board asked for main highway estimates for the current year. The chairman said that a great deal of work was required on Ongo Road and after some discussion it was decided to hold the matter over pending a conference with the District Public Works engineer The retiring foreman (Mr. A. Wills,, presented his final report, up to March 31. He said that roads and footpaths were in reasonably good order and water tables had been cleaned In readiness for the winter. The open drain in front of the State houses in Paraekuretu Street had been piped and filled in, he said.

The town clerk submitted a copy of the balance sheet for the year just ended. It revealed a balance of £421 6s 9d. The chairman said that the new clerk was to be congratulated nn his promptitude in bringing down the balance sheet.

The meeting was presided over by Cr. R. A. Gordon and there were also present Crs. A. H. Sutton, J. Hallwood, H. Dillon and G. S. Crichton Apologies for absence were received from Crs. E. W.' Donovan and J. Dickie.