Fire Safety Precautions at Manutuke

A lot of planning and preparation has gone into the creation of the Manutuke District Volunteer Fire Brigade. From a mere dream of a few years back, the brigade has grown into a live and fully operational organisation.

The brigade consists of a body of active men living in the neighbourhood of the township, most of whom are immediately available when the alarm is raised.

As they come under the jurisdiction of the Gisborne Fire Board, the city firemen have given this group every encouragement, trained them in fire-fighting techniques and assisted them in obtaining the necessary equipment.

Their engine, which was purchased from the Lower Hutt Fire Board by the Gisborne board, carries 400 gallons of water, sufficient to deal with small outbreaks and can pump water from local sources if required.

The engine and equipment, supplied by the Gisborne Fire Board, is housed in a 40ft by 30ft building raised by volunteer labour of the brigadesmen. When fully completed, the building will be a centre for the receipt of calls and the issue of alarms. This function is at present performed by the Manutuke Store, just across the road from the building.

The Manutuke Voluntary Brigade is still in need of funds to fulfill their objects, but feel confident that these will be forthcoming.