GISBORNE FIRF BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2242, 14 July 1908, Page 2

GISBORNE FIRF BOARD.

INAUGURAL MEETING. The first meeting of the Gisborne Fire Hoard was held last evening, there being present, Air. John Townley (appointed by tile Government), Messrs \V. I). Lysnar and W. i’ettie (representatives of the ilorougli Council), and Messrs G, L. Evans and J. Coleman (representatives of tlie insurance companies). Messrs J. W. Bright and A. F. Kennedy wore unable to be present. Mr. Town ley was voted to the chair and nominations were received for the office of Chairman of the Board. Air. J. Coleman nominated Air. Townley as permanent chairman of the Board.

Air. Keltic, in seconding the nomination, stated that lie recognised Mr. Town ley’s long service as superintendent of the Fire Brigade as giving him a claim to the position. Air. Townley was declared elected, and in briefly returning thanks, said there would he a good deal of work for the Board to do; and he was afraid the town, would find the Fire Brigade more expensive than ever, and for that reason he would have liked to have seen the Mayor appointed chairman. Speaking generally, he could say the Fire Brigade was in a very strong position, though the appliances were not all that could he desired. It would be necessary for tlie Board to take over the plant of the Brigade and bring the appliances as up to date as possible. All that was wanted was a littlo more hose, two or three hydrants, and a motor hose reel. The Brigades in all parts were obtaining motor hose reels, and one would bo very suitable for Gisborne.

Mr. Lysnar said tlie Board should appoint a secretary. Mr. Robinson dul not care to accept the position, but the assistant Town Clerk, Air. F. Cumming, might do so. lie moved that Air. Cummings be appointed. Mr. Townley said that in any of the Brigades carried on for a time without incurring any additional expense. The appointment of a custodian would nave to bo made; but in the meantime he would liko Air. Morrison still to remain in charge. Air. Coleman said the constitution of the Board was now impartial, and he would not liko to see a Borough officer appointed as secretary, as it might give the Council a preponderance ot power. Ho thought the position should bo advertised, for lie could not see why tlie Council’s officers should take on outside work. Air. Pettio said ho did not think there would bo any feeling of bias, or any friction among members of the Board. He thougnt tlio Borough Chambers a very desirable position lor the offices. Air. Cumming was a capablo man, and his appointment would be most suitable.

Air. Coleman moved that applications be advertised for the position at a salary of £25 per year. Mr. L, nar said if an outsider was appoint* i separate offices would have to be pi availed, and if the Council offices w.-ro still used as a meeting place an official would have to come to each meeting to open the building. He did not- think there was any likelihood of any friction between the parties on the Board, for the Borough Council i’.ad extreme power, and could die olve the Board at any time. It was a pity Air. Coleman had introduced i nch a suggestion as Council influence upon an officer of the Board. If that kind of thing went on, it would be a continual difference between representatives of the Council and the insurance companies. Air. 1 -wnlcy said tlie Board had nowhere .o meet, and no one to keep the books, and lie saw no reason why Air. Cumming should not be appointed. He would give his casting vote in favor of the assistahUTown Clerk being appointed secretary.

Air. F. Cumming was then appointed secretary to tlie Board. Air. Lysnar suggested that a committee be set tip to report upon securing a suitable site tor a lire sta tion. The present site was intended as a site lor a town hall and another site would have to be obtained for u station. He would like Messrs Co'eman, Lysnar, Bright, and the Chairman to be the committee. The motion was carried.

Mr. Townley moved that the present- custodian remain in charge of the station for the present, and the Brigade carry on as in the past, until any reorganisation was done. Mr. Pettie asked if the men would have to bo paid. Tho Chairman said that was a question for tho Board. Mr. Lysuart said tlie Board should also advertise for a paid superintendent of tho Brigade. A qualified man should bo engaged, even if lie had to be brought from some other part of the Dominion. Mr. Towiiley said ho would rather see the Brigade carry on in the old day until there was a full meeting of the Board. If they paid tlie officers, the men would want to bo paid also. Mr. Coleman suggested that- the committee report upon "tile appointment of a superintendent before any expense was sanctioned. The suggestion was adopted. Mr. Lysnar said lie was surprised at the fear of financing the Board, the very idea of the Board was to bring the insurance people in to improve the position, and not go on in the old way. There was the need of providing plant for the suburbs of Wliataupoko and Kaiti to bo taken into consideration.

Mr. Townley said the Brigade had some plant that could bo made available for the suburbs.

Mr. Lysnar moved that the Minister for Internal Affairs (Dr. Findlay) be asked to allow Inspector Hugo to come to Gisborne and advise the Board on the appointment of a superintendent and necessary plant. Tho motion was carried, and the Board adjourned.