WAIHI FIRE BOARD

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVI, Issue 9059, 15 April 1937, Page 2

WAIHI FIRE BOARD

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS HELD SMALL FIRE LOSS FINANCES FOUND SATISFACTORY The annual meeting of" the Waihi Fire Board was held on Monday afternoon, the Government nominee, Mr W. Ellerington, presiding.' Thero were also present Messrs W. Skegg and H. V. Tregear (Auckland members), J. J. Callaghan and J. F. Robertson (Borough Council representatives), the secretary, Mr I. T. Fallwell, and the brigade superintendent, Mr W. E. Roberts.

In his annual report the superintendent stated that there had been twenty-one calls during the year, seven of them being to actual fires, six to scrub fires, and one to a chimney fire, as well as seven false alarms, none of which was malicious. Insurances on the properties concerned were as follows, the estimated damage in each case being given in parentheses:—Buildings, £4260 (£268 10s); furniture, £IOOO (£2 10s); stock, £3lO (£46 13s 4d); personal effects, £450 (nil). Total: £6020 (£317 13s 4d). BRIGADE FULLY MANNED "There have been four resignations for various reasons since my last annual report, and the vacancies have been filled, making the brigade full strength," continued Mr Roberts. "The weekly shed and street practices have been carried • out and the attendances at both fires and practices have been very satisfactory. We entered a team for the South Auckland demonstration held at Pukekohe on March 27, and it was successful in winning the fourmen event. A 'delegate and an official attended the New Zealand conference and demonstration held at Nelson, commencing on . March 7. The inspector of fire brigades, Mr Girling Butcher, paid an official visit, his report having been presented previously. In conclusion, I have to say that everything is going on very satisfactorily in the brigade." The report was adopted, Mr Tregear stating that he was pleased to know of Waihi's success at Pukekohe. "It must be very encouraging to the brigade," he added.

Mr Robertson mentioned that the superintendent had been appointed an official for the Nelson demonstration, which was a compliment to the efficiency of Mr Roberts and an honour to the brigade. LOCAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT In its report for the last quarter of the year, the local committee stated that the usual station stores and benzine had been procured, and minor repairs completed to the firefighting gear. The hose procured during the quarter had been found faulty and returned to the firm from which it was procured. The uniforms were still not satisfactory, and the board was waiting for the firm to make further and satisfactory alterations to them.

It was stated that negotiations that were likely to prove satisfactory were being made in regard to the hose and uniforms of which complaint had been made. The report was received. FINANCIAL AFFAIRS \ Responsibility in a possible case ot contributory negligence in which the fire-engine might be involved was mentioned by Mr Skegg. It was decided to seek cover for a maximum of £2OOO. On the motion of Mr Robertson, it was unanimously agreed to donate £3 3s to the King George V Memorial Fund for the establishment of permanent health camps for children. It was further decided to spend up to £2 10s on illuminations for Coronation Week.

The statement of accounts showed that £260 15s 2d had been paid out during the quarter, while further I amounts totalling £24 19s Sd were passed for payment. Cash in the bank amounted to £133 7s 7d, however, so that there would be over, £IOO to carry forward. The estimated expenditure for the current financial year was £595, the estimatea being approved. The total will be» made up as follows: Government subsidy, £SO; amount payable by insurance companies, £272 10s; and. amount payable by local authority,. £272 10s.