THE FIRE BOARD.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17981, 28 March 1930, Page 7

THE FIRE BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING.. ’‘TOWN’S LOSSES STILL LOW. BRIGADE’S EFFICIENCY PRAISED. The annual meeting of the Hamilton Fire Board was held this morning, Mr J. Gilbert, acting-chairman, presiding. Also present were Messrs A. E. Manning, W. Pavitt, F- W. Luxford (secretary), and A. Craig (fire superintendent). Reference-was made to the illness of Mr J. McKinnon, the chairman, and it was decided that Mr Gilbert continue acting chairman. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr McKinnon expressing regret at his continued illness, and hopes for an improvement in his condition. The fire superintendent ..submitted a favourable report on fire protection in the various places of amusement in the town. It was resolved to purchase a wireless set for the recreation facilities of the brigade. Reporting on his recent inspection, Captain T. T. Hugo, Government Inspector of Fire Brigades, said he superintendent, deputy, and 20 firemen were on parade at the time- A contingent of the volunteer fire police was also in attendance. The inspection drills were carried out in the usual smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in first-class order. Satisfaction at the report was expressed by members, who congratulated the superintendent on the year’s work, as well as on the comprehensive reports he had submitted. Half-yearly Report. In his report dealing with the administration of the brigade, Mr Craig, the superintendent, said since October 17, 1929, 24 calls had been received, none of which was serious. The strength of t the brigade was now 25, comprising superintendent, deputy superintendent, foreman, three permanent and 19 auxiliary firemen. The superintendent, three permanent and five auxiliary firemen resided at the station. Eleven fortnightly drills had been conducted during the period. The hose tender had been in commission for five years, and should be replaced with a heavier machine. He recommended that £2OO be put on the estimates and authority be given to dispose of the other machine—This course wap adopted. The superintendent added that he attended the United Fire Brigades’ Association conference held at Whangarei a few weeks ago, and gained useful information, which would be- of material benefit to the brigade. Littlo Loss Recorded. In his annual report the superintendent said 53 calls had been gi\en during the year, a decrease of 12 'Compared with the previous year. Of these 26 were actual fires, 15 were crorse and grass fires, three chimney fires, five false alarms, four of which were maliciously given, and four fires were outside the fire board's area. The insurances on buildings and contents where fires occurred amounted to £67,540. and the total loss by fire was £7270, including £2OOO damage in one room. Satisfactory Plant. Buildings, plant, and equipment had been thoroughly maintained in a satisfactory condition TTie duplex street alarm system continued to give every satisfaction. At present there were 42 alarm boxes connected with the system. The telephone alarm system connected to the auxiliaries’ houses, which was installed last April, had proved most efficient. Nine men living in .various parts of the district were connected with the system. At present 4700 feet of hose was available for fire fighting, but it would be necessary, to purchase a further 500 feet during the coming year. The discipline of the brigade had been fully maintained, and the attendance at fires and drills was entirely satisfactory. In conclusion, Mr Craig thanked the fire, board and secretary for the consideration shown in all matters af ■fecting the welfare of the brigade. He also, thanked the fire police for their valuable assistance. The Financial Position. The financial statement showed estimated cash available on March 31, £366 4s 7d, compared with £123 0s 5d in hand on April 1, 1929. Receipts totalled £2974 17s 4d, and expenditure £2610 14s. In the draft estimated expenditure for the year ending March 31, 1931, the following items appear:—lnterest, £425 15s; sinking funds, £353; wages and salaries, £1428; insurances, £125; total, £2925. The total gross premiums are shown at £20,834 2s lid, of which the proportion of the insurance companies is £1425, or 6.48 per cent. The previous year’s figures arc:—Gross premiums, £23,411 lSs_ 4d; insurance companies’ levy, £1425, or 6.08 per Cent. ___