GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2480, 20 April 1909, Page 4

GISBORNE FIRE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Gisborne Fire Brigade was heJd last evening. Superintendent Townley presided over a large attendance of members. The-Hillside Fire Brigade, Dunedin, wrote thanking the Brigade for the loan of gear while at the demonstration in Auckland. The following report was read and adopted: — “During the year we have received 21 calls, and of these 10 have been fires, which shows an increase over any previous year for a long time. It is pleasing to note that the Brigade have 'been able to cope very successful !y with any outbreak of fire when they have been given a reasonable alarm, owing no doubt to tha splendid high-pressure water supply now available. We also find that the attendance of members has been very good, and that quite a number have nearly got the possible. During the year we have come under he Fire Board, which seems to be giving every satisfaction, and the thanks of the Brigade are due to the- Board for procuring a conveyance to take the gear to the fires. We have had a visit from Inspector Hugo, who gave a very interesting lecture to the members on fire brigade matters. We have alsoheld a very successful social, which greatly benefited the social funds of the Brigade. We have had a team at the Auckland demonstration, and although they were not on the winning side, Hie experience gained will no doubt be a benefit to this Brigade on. some future occasion. We were also very ably represented at the conference by Superintendent Town ley. The latter. at the same time, was presented with a 2d years’ gold star, and we sincerely hope that he will long live to wear" it. Foreman G. Wildish was also made a life member of the United Firemen’s Association, which we are sure is very tple-asing to the members of this "thank the press for their kindness and consideration shown towards the Brigade.” The Superintendent said the worst feature of the report was the large number of fires'that had occurred during the year. However, the fires had been prevented, from spreading, and no doubt- the high pressure water supply had been of great advantage in fire fighting. As it was, the large number of fires in a single year was alarming, and the less of property was a misfortune to the town. Senior Foreman ft iltnsh said mat tne position of the Brigade had oeeii Letter since the- Fire Board had come into existdicc. Fireman Donovan moved that- tuo hydrant men be appointed. Superintendent Town ley thougnt that the first firemen on the scene of the fire should fix the hydrants. The motion caused some discussion, and was eventually withdrawn. Fireman McLaughlin then moved that branchmen be dispensed with. After some discussion the motion was lost. , , , The following officers were elected: Senior Foreman. G. W:kl:sh (re-elect-ed); Junior Foreman, A. Thompson (reelected); hon. secretary. Fireman Lapidge ( re-elected). Fireman W. Fraser was presented with a two years’ service bar, and a committee was appointed to arrange for holding the annual social.