The Deputy Commander was shocked and upset that regulations had not been adhered to, as stated in The Fire Service Act. It was quite some time before he accepted that it was the sensible thing to have done. As the years passed by John has become a worthy member of the Fire Service in Ohope, rising through the ranks to be appointed Chief Fire Officer. 19.04.82 All Fire Service Brigades throughout New Zealand have been granted a canteen license. 07.08.82 Our second Gold Star evening was held at the Rugby Club. Sub/Officer Secretary Gordon Harris was presented with his Gold Star by past president of the U.F.B.A D.C.F.O. Lloyd Dennis (Whakatane Board Mills) Gold Star pin by D.C.F.O. Murray McCrae (Edgecumbe) representing the Auckland Gold Star Association. Brigades Life Honorary Member Medal by C.F.O. Tom Dobson. 23.04.83 Commenced working bees to concrete and fence the backyard of the fire station. Special words of appreciation were conveyed to our next-door neighbours The Ministry of Works staff, they removed the soil (mostly sand) and constructed the rock retaining walls, free of cost. 16.05.83 Extracts from the C.F.O. Report - at the 20th A.G.M “Our social facilities are not being used as often as I had hoped, I suggest that a social committee could be formed of at least 3 members of the brigade, plus members of the ladies committee. Also give some thought to forming a Brigade Social Club with the possibility of including a limited number of the community as members, such as friends and relatives. It is pleasing to note that some of the ladies have commenced a games afternoon here in this room once a fortnight and all residences are welcome”. 18.07.83 As previously mentioned radio contact could not be established in most parts of our district, the Chief started demanding a better deal and made the comment that we could possibly save some ones life by having quick communications for assistance. We have only one set, which is in the appliance and what we want is a base set in our watchroom
The Deputy Commander was shocked and upset that regulations had not been adhered to, as stated in The Fire Service Act. It was quite some time before he accepted that it was the sensible thing to have done. As the years passed by John has become a worthy member of the Fire Service in Ohope, rising through the ranks to be appointed Chief Fire Officer. 19.04.82 All Fire Service Brigades throughout New Zealand have been granted a canteen license. 07.08.82 Our second Gold Star evening was held at the Rugby Club. Sub/Officer Secretary Gordon Harris was presented with his Gold Star by past president of the U.F.B.A D.C.F.O. Lloyd Dennis (Whakatane Board Mills) Gold Star pin by D.C.F.O. Murray McCrae (Edgecumbe) representing the Auckland Gold Star Association. Brigades Life Honorary Member Medal by C.F.O. Tom Dobson. 23.04.83 Commenced working bees to concrete and fence the backyard of the fire station. Special words of appreciation were conveyed to our next-door neighbours The Ministry of Works staff, they removed the soil (mostly sand) and constructed the rock retaining walls, free of cost. 16.05.83 Extracts from the C.F.O. Report - at the 20th A.G.M “Our social facilities are not being used as often as I had hoped, I suggest that a social committee could be formed of at least 3 members of the brigade, plus members of the ladies committee. Also give some thought to forming a Brigade Social Club with the possibility of including a limited number of the community as members, such as friends and relatives. It is pleasing to note that some of the ladies have commenced a games afternoon here in this room once a fortnight and all residences are welcome”. 18.07.83 As previously mentioned radio contact could not be established in most parts of our district, the Chief started demanding a better deal and made the comment that we could possibly save some ones life by having quick communications for assistance. We have only one set, which is in the appliance and what we want is a base set in our watchroom
1963%20to%201987%20HISTORY%20MATATA%20VOLUNTEER%20FIRE%20BRIGADE%20lois.doc.docx