HELENSBURGH TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
1887 There was a Fire Brigade Committee.
1907 Procured Simonis Standard Curricle Fire Escape. Not to exceed £70.
Got a Hand Cart, £12.
1908 Leven Shipyard Brigade have a Steam Pump.Charge for a Fire is £2.
Brigade cost £348 - 3 - 11. The Brigade hired horses.
1909 Supply of Life-lines for Firemen's Belts.
There was a Firemaster, Deputy Firemaster, Foreman of Fire Brigade and Resident Firemen
1910 Special Plates fitted on lamp posts to mark position of Fire Plugs.
9/2/1912 Fire Cardross Saw Mills. Brigade expenses £24 - 0 - 9.
April 1912 Fire Rossdhu House, Luss. Brigade expenses £23 - 7/-.
9/1/1914
Meeting of Town Council
Fire Brigade
Firemaster's report read. The Deputy Firemaster and 6 men were out at an alarm of fire at Warriston on 1st inst.
Two of the Fireman had resigned and two temporary appointments were made.
The Sub-Committees report on Fire Brigade enquiry was submitted by the Convener, and after consideration of same it was resolved to disband the existing Brigade, and to advertise for men to form a new Brigade, and that the new Firemaster be also appointed to act as Burgh Officer and Caretaker of Municipal Buildings. Any present members of the Brigade to be eligible as applicants for the new Brigade. It was remitted to the Convener and Sub-Convener, along with the Firemaster to carry through the arrangements.
The Clerk was instructed to give any notices of termination of existing engagements, including the Burgh Officer's engagement as Burgh Officer and Caretaker, and Deputy Firemaster.
6/2/1914 Mr Duncan McFarlane resigned as Firemaster.
There were 75 applications for Firemaster etc. and 16 for membership of the Brigade
21/2/1914 Mr Francis Cormack appointed as Firemaster etc. with a Salary of £90 per annum and a free house,coal and light.
Thomas Barclay is the Deputy Firemaster.
The hose was sent to Firemaster Waddell, Glasgow for repair.
3/4/1914
Fire Brigade.
Mr Morton read Mr Mowat's report .
Removal and re-erection of telephone bells for new firemen was completed. All appliances, etc., had been handed over to the new firemaster. All men had been paid up to 15th ult.
Report by the new firemaster, Mr Cormack, was read. He had received an inventory of stock and plant, and found same correct.
The brigade was turned out on 19th ult. at an outbreak of fire at Avondale. The expenses were £1 - 5s.
It was remitted to Convener and Sub-Convener and firemaster to get necessary articles of uniform for new brigade and firemaster, with powers.
It was agreed that estimates be got for a hand pump and piping, 4 set coupling keys, and 500 feet extra 2 1/2 inch canvas hosepipe with all necessary couplings.
The Sub-Committee on appointment of firemen reported as follows, viz :-
Helensburgh, March, 1914.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENT OF FIREMEN.
At a Meeting of this Committee, held on 11th March. Present :-The Convener and Sub-Convener, the new firemaster, and Mr Mowat.
Seventeen applications were considered for the appointment of firemen, and the following were appointed :-Messrs Thomas Barclay, Daniel Walker, Samuel Murray, Archibald M'Millan. The above were members of the old brigade. Messrs Alexander Bryde, James Milne, A. B. Robertson, David Gilmour, and Robert M'Gregor, the last mentioned four being the new men.
All the applicants were interviewed, and after the appointments were made the unsuccessful candidates present were thanked for attending the meeting.
The men now constituting the brigade were then called in and the conditions of their appointment detailed to them. These are as undernoted :-
"That the salary per year be £5, with an addition of £2 to T. Barclay, who was appointed to the second in command to the firemaster."
"'That all the men were subject to the control of the firemaster in all matters whenever assembled as a brigade."
"That attendance be given at the fire station one night per week for drill and cleansing purposes."
"That other attendances are given as requested by the firemaster."
"That the firemaster has power to suspend or dismiss anyone."
"That the payment for work at fire's to be :-First hour, 4s, and each hour thereafter 2s; time to count from leaving the station to return to station. All turnouts between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to be counted as full pay. Turnouts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. may be paid, if the men are employed less than one hour, at the rate of 2s if so certified by the firemaster."
"That the rate of pay for all work such as cleansing fireplugs or attendance as ordered beyond the one night a week as already mentioned be paid at the rate of sixpence per hour."
"That all uniform, belts, etc., supplied are the property of the Town Council, and must be kept in good order and returned on anyone giving up the appointment as fireman."
It was pointed out to the new men that there were two houses in the fire brigade buildings, and these could be had by applying to the Burgh Chamberlain.
It was left in the hands of Mr Mowat to arrange as to the necessary fire bells being put into the houses by the post office telephone authorities.
The foregoing report was agreed to.
Accounts amounting to £1 2s 6d, and wages to £9 14s 6d, were passed for payment.
1916 Street hydrants muffled in hay for winter months as a preventative from frost.
15/2/1919 Fire Hermitage Hospital damage £160. Brigade expenses £5 14/-
Burgh Officer and Firemaster’s salary increased from £126 to £150 plus house, coal and gas.
Firemen's retaining fee increased by £2. Some Firemen stay in the Fire Station.
28/6/1919 43 East Princess Street. Fire confined to West half of building, damage £350. Brigade expenses £6 4/-.
19/9/1919 Special Meeting of Town Council of Burgh of Helensburgh
Fire Brigade
The Convener of the Fire Brigade drew attention to an article in the “Lennox Herald” to the effect that the Admiralty proposed to terminate their agreement, by which the Alexandria Work’s Fire brigade was available for fires in West Dumbartonshire. It was agreed to offer the services of the local Fire Brigade to the County Council Western District Committee, if a suitable arrangement can be made.
14/10/1919 Special Meeting of Town Council of Burgh of Helensburgh
Fire Brigade
It was agreed that the Burgh Surveyor and Firemaster get in touch with Messrs Armstrong Whitworth & Co., Alexandria, with a view to purchasing their Motor Fire Engine and appliances used in connection with their Alexandria Works.
Brigade not called out during month, but there were calls on station firemen as follows...................
14/11/1919
Fire Brigade
A letter from the Clerk of the Western District Committee of the County Council dated 29th ult., was read in reply to letter offering the services of the local Fire Brigade to the County. He stated that in the absence of definite information as to the continuance of existing arrangements further consideration had been deferred. It was agreed the Burgh Surveyor make enquiries as to a motor fire engine.
15/1/1920
Fire Brigade
A report by the Burgh Surveyor and Firemaster dated 5th inst., was read and considered. It was moved by Mr Martin, and seconded by Mr. Millar, that scheme (b) of the report be adopted and a motor fire engine be got for the Burgh, which the Surveyor estimated would, including cost of additional fire hose, amount to about £1600. The additional annual upkeep would amount to about £270.
12/2/1920
Mr Robb, Convener, gave in report by Sub-Committee on Motor Fire Engine, and a spec and offer by Messrs Dennis Brothers, Guildford, to supply a 45hp fire engine was produced, and it was agreed to purchase same at cost of £1575.
7-21 Sinclair Street, shop fire 11 Sinclair Street. damaged about £1000, expenses £2 10s. 12th ult. (6/2/1920)
Mr Wm Henderson rendered useful assistance paid £5.
At Helensburgh, the Sixteenth Day of April,
Nineteen Hundred and Twenty.
At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Burgh of Helensburgh, held within the Council Chambers.
PRESENT:- Messrs J. F. Duncan, Provost; John Morrison, Bailie; D. W. Morton, Bailie; C. H. Millar, J. Russell Martin, Archd. C. Robb, George A. Sillars, Wm. P. Ure, Ben. B. Mackinnon, John Somerville, David Crawford, J. Murray Gray.
Also Mr James N. Stirling, Burgh Surveyor, and Mr F. Cormack, Firemaster.
The said J. F. Duncan, Provost, in the chair.
FIRE BRIGADE
In terms of remit from Special Meeting of Town Council of 8th inst., the Meeting had under consideration the report by the Sub-Committee on conditions of a possible working arrangement with the County with regard to use of new motor fire engine belonging to the Town Council. Copies of the report had been circulated among the Members of the Town Council.
After hearing the Burgh Surveyor, who gave explanations on various points in the report, and also explanations from the Firemaster, it was remitted to a Sub-Committee, consisting of the Convener, Town Clerk, Burgh Surveyor, and Firemaster, to draw up a report on similar lines to the report above submitted, giving effect to certain alterations now agreed on under different heads of expenditure, for submission to the County Authorities for their consideration.
The suggested amended report is in the following terms:-
Draft Proposals by the Town Council of the Burgh of Helensburgh relative to the use of improved Burgh Fire Brigade by the County Council of Dumbarton.
The Town Council of the Burgh of Helensburgh proposed to provide:-
EQUIPMENT:-
(1) One 45 h.p. Motor Fire Engine, with telescopic ladder.
(2) 3000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose pipe, bayonet couplings.
(3) Adapters, for connecting hose to screw and ball hydrant couplings to suit various County Fire Plugs.
(4) Standpipes to suit County Fire Plugs.
(5) Extra length of suction hose pipe, making 50 feet in all.
STAFF:-
Firemaster, employed at or near Fire Station.
Motor Mechanic and Assistant Firemaster, employed at or near Fire Station.
Motor Driver, employed by Burgh.
Nine men retained, but not necessarily employed by Burgh. Houses, connected with Fire Station by bell, for use at night.
Four men, not retained, and not necessarily employed by Burgh, but occasionally trained to be ready for all turnouts and drills.
Uniform to be provided by Burgh for all the above men who by day would be summoned to the Fire Station whenever the syren, operated from the Fire Station, sounded the alarm.
CONDITIONS:-
The Fire Brigade to be prepared to turn out day or night to any County Fire in the Western District with the Motor Fire Engine, 8 men, 3000 feet of loose and adapters for any County plug, provided the engine is not at or called to any other fire.
The Burgh Firemaster to inspect once a year, in the months of May and June, all the County Fire Plugs on the register of fire plugs of the Western District of the County, and to report their condition to
The County to pay a retaining fee of £500 per annum to cover standing charges and cost of drills.
The County further to pay for each turnout on the following scale :-
(1) For every warning received in which the syren is sounded or men summoned, £7 0 0
(2) For Firemaster, per hour, from alarm to dismiss, 0 10 0
(3) For each complete hour for each man summonded, from alarm till his dismissal, 0 6 0
(4) For every mile travelled by the Fire Brigade, 0 4 0
(5) For each 100 feet of hose laid out, 0 2 0
(6) For every quarter hour during which Fire Engine pumps water, 0 15 0
(7) For damage actually done to equipment or men's uniforms beyond ordinary tear and wear, As determined.
ADJUSTMENT, DURATION, AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT, ETC., ARBITRATION:-
The retaining fee and charges herein laid down are calculated on the estimated cost of materials, rate of interest, rates of pay, hours of labour, and other conditions ruling as at the date of these proposals. It shall be competent for either party to claim a readjustment of the terms should any change take place in the conditions during the currency of the agreement, which shall in any case extend to a minimum of five years. Any dispute or difference arising out of the agreement shall be referred to the decrees arbitral and final decision of...........................................................................................................................
and it is hereby agreed that the said decrees arbitral and decision of................................... shall be binding on both parties ( subject to any penalty).
This agreement shall not be terminated unless on twelve months' written notice given, to either party by the other.
Municipal Buildings,
Helensburgh, April, 1920.
4/6/1920
The Convener read an answer from the District Clerk, Dumbarton, to the Town Clerk’s letter of 20th April, stating that his Committee had agreed, at least temporarily, to continue the existing arrangement with the Royal Navy Ammunition Factory, Alexandria, and indicating that if negotiations are to be entered into the Terms of the Town Council will have to be considerably modified.
12/11/1920
Messrs Dennis Brothers indicated the fire engine would be ready about the end of this month. It was agreed to ask them to provide an extension ladder at a price of £36, and also an extinguisher for carrying on engine.
It was agreed to retain the existing horse carriage, fire pump, and fire escape in the meantime.
Motor arrived 13th December and had pump test 17th.
4/12/1920
Meeting reported Siren now working.
Three months temporary arrangement ends 7/1/1921 (with County Council of Dumbarton)
14/7/1921
First time firemen called out by Siren during working hours.
The Restaurant 48 East Princess Street. Damage slight. Brigade expenses £2 5/-
Permanent connection to apply hot water circulation to the radiator of the Fire Engine to avoid chilling of the Engine in cold weather with necessary shut off valves and quick disconnecting couplings.
29/5/1921
Agreement that services of Burgh Brigade will be available to the whole of the Western District.
4/8/1922
On Friday, 28th ult, the Brigade was called to an outbreak of fire at Shandon in the Motor Omnibus, SN1811, belonging to Henry Brown, Helensburgh. The Brigade was leaving the station when the turn out was cancelled. The expenses were £2 17 6d, being payment to Firemen, and £7 10/- in respect of turnout of engine in terms of agreement.
Read to Page 59 1921.
Page 47 2/6/1922
Fire Brigade
Minute of Meeting of Committee of 30th ult. was submitted and read and approved.
Fire Master's report was read.
The Brigade was not called out during the month, but there was a call on the Station Firemen on 11th ult. to extinguish a fire at No.6 Glenan Gardens, caused by faulty construction of the woodwork underneath the drawing-room hearth. Expenses were 8s.
Mr Ure, Convener of the Sub-Committee appointed to make arrangements with the County Council as regards use of the Burgh Fire Brigade, reported that the Council's representatives had met the County representatives and had come to an understanding, and a letter by the County Clerk, dated 29th May, 1922, was read by Mr Ure, which is as follows, viz :-
County Buildings,
Dumbarton,29th May, 1922.
Dear Sir,
FIRE EXTINGUISHING
I confirm the arrangement come to at the meeting between representatives of your Town Council and the County Council to-day, that subject to approval thereof by your Town Council the services of the Burgh Fire Brigade are to be made available to deal with outbreaks of fire within the whole of the Western District of the County on the following terms, viz.:-
(a) A retaining fee to be paid by the County Council at the rate of £350 per annum.
(b) In addition the scale of charges referred to in paragraph (c) of this office's letter to you of date 28th December, 1920, to be operative.
(c) That the County Council's officials in conjunction with the Council's officials will arrange for the necessary fittings in the County districts, and an additional length of hose pipe being provided at the expense of the County Council. The additional hose pipe to be handed over to the Burgh Authorities, but to remain the property of the County Council.
I shall be glad to learn in due course that your Council are prepared to approve of the above arrangement, and thereafter to adjust the terms of a formal Agreement with you.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) DAVID COCKBURN County Clerk.
John B. Maclachlan, Esq.,
Town Clerk, Helensburgh.
It was agreed to accept the terms specified in the foregoing letter generally, the details to be adjusted in the formal Agreement, and it was remitted to the Sub-Committee to draw up the Agreement.
Page 52 7/7/1922
Fire Brigade.
Minute of Meeting of Committee of 4th inst: was submitted and read and approved.
Fire Master's report was read.
The Brigade was called out on 2nd ult. to a fire at 43 Grant Street. The damage was about £80 and expenses £2 11s ; and also to a fire on 23rd ult. at Garage, 81 West Princess Street. The damage was about £300 and expenses £3 9s.
The firebell connecting Fireman James Milne has been removed and connected to his new address at 63 West King Street, on the west section.
The Fire Brigade Committee had met on 2nd ult. and considered the various items necessary for carrying out the work under the Agreement with the County Council, and it was agreed to approve of the following matters, viz.:-It was decided to instruct the Firemaster to appoint 4 additional men to act as Firemen on an auxiliary basis ; condition of appointment is as follows :- That the salary be £5 per annum. That the payment per hour at Burgh fires be for the first hour 4s, and for each hour thereafter 2s; time to count from the fire call to dismissal. All turnouts between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to be counted as full pay. Turnouts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. may be paid if the men are employed less than one hour at the rate of 2s if so certified by the Firemaster. Turnout payments for work at County fires to be at the rate of 5s per hour from the time the engine leaves the Fire Station until it returns. That attendance be given at the Fire Station one night per week for drill until proficient, thereafter as otherwise arranged. That each man be sober, obliging, and attentive to his duties both inside and outside the Fire Station when so assembled as a Brigade. That the rate of pay for all work such as cleansing fire plugs or attendance as ordered beyond the one night per week as already mentioned be paid at the rate of 1s per hour. That the Firemaster has power to suspend or dismiss anyone for insubordination. That the above-mentioned conditions of appointment be for as long as the Agreement holds between the Burgh of Helensburgh and the County Council of Dumbarton Authorities. Proved false alarms in the County to be paid for to the firemen at one half pay rates.
Draft of proposed Agreement with the County Council as revised by the County Council was produced and gone over and approved of, and an engrossmeint of same, in duplicate, was produced and signed and sealed by authority of the meeting.
It was agreed to get estimates for uniforms and helmets for four firemen and fire-boots for all firemen, also uniforms and pickaxes and two electric hand lamps, and non-skid chains when required, and remitted same to the Convener, Sub-Convener, and the Firemaster, with powers.
It was agreed to increase the Firemaster's salary by 10s per week as from 1st June last. This increase not to be affected by the bonus scale.
Accounts amounting to £7 16s, and wages to £20 6s 3d, were passed for payment.
Page 59
Fire Brigade.
Minute of Meeting of Committee of 29th ult. was submitted and read and approved.
Firemaster's report was read.
The Brigade was not called out during the month,, but there was a call on5th August for examination and extinguishing chimney fire at 32 James Street. The expenses were 18s.
The Firemaster also reported on a siren false alarm on Monday, 28th ult., caused by the steam being shut off the main pipe and when turned on suddenly it opened the valve. It was agreed to pay the firemen at half rates on such false alarms, and it was agreed that the Gas Manager inform in the Firemaster when the steam connection is cut off the siren and again when it is turned on, and agreed that this be added to Instructions to Officials.
Firemaster's Annual Report for year ending 15th May last was produced and read.
Accounts amounting to £1 15s, and wages to £16 5s, were passed for payment.
The following improved conditions of service for Firemen now serving under the recently extended area were agreed to. The conditions are as follows :-
1. That the salary per year be £10, with an addition of £4 to Thomas Barclay, Depute Firemaster.
2. That payment for work at Burgh Fires to be first hour 4s, and each hour thereafter 2s. Time to count from the fire call to dismissal. All turnouts between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to be counted as full pay. Turnouts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. may he paid if the men are employed less than one hour at the rate of 2s, if so certified by the Firemaster. Turnout payments for work at County Fires to be at the rate of 5s per hour, from the time the fire engine leaves the Fire Station until its return.
3. That false alarms for Burgh or County to be paid at 1/2 rate.
4. That attendance be given at the Fire Station one night per week for drill and cleansing purposes.
5. That each outside Station Fireman take alternately "standby duty '' in the Station on Saturday afternoons. Hours to be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
6. That the Station Firemen take Sunday duty in the same manner.
7. That the Saturday and Sunday duty men of any one week are relieved of their duties the following Thursday evening
8. That other attendances he given as requested by the Firemaster.
9. That the rate of pay for all work, such as cleansing fire hydrants or attendance as ordered beyond the one night a week as already mentioned, he paid at the rate of 1s per hour.
10. That all the Firemen are subject to the control of the Firemaster in all matters whenever assembled as a Brigade.
11. That the Firemaster has power to suspend or dismiss anyone for insubordination.
12. That every man be sober, obliging, and attentive to his duties, both inside and outside the Fire Station, whenever assembled as a Brigade.
13. That all uniform, boots, belts, etc. supplied are the property of the Town Council, and must be kept in good order, and returned on anyone giving up the appointment as Fireman.
14. That each Fireman when going out with the siren call intimate same by changing his number on the duty hoard from the on-duty to the off-duty section. He will likewise reverse his number on his return to duty.
15. That the first eight men on the fire engine, on a fire call, proceeds to the fire ; the ninth stands by. The remainder will return to their employment and will get paid at false alarm rates.
Page 62 12/9/1922
Fire Brigade
The Provost produced a letter from Mr Francis Cormack, dated 9th inst., stating that owing to his having been appointed Firemaster to the Burgh of Motherwell and Wishaw he tendered his resignation as at 9th October next of the positions of local Firemaster, Burgh Officer, Caretaker of Municipal Buildings, and Probation Officer. It was unanimously agreed to minute the regret of the Council at losing the services of Mr Cormack who had given complete satisfaction in the discharge of his duties, and to express their best wishes for his future prosperity.
It was agreed to advertise for a successor to Mr Cormack in the combined offices of Firemaster, Burgh Officer, and Caretaker of Municipal Buildings at a fixed salary of £200 per annum, with free house, coal, and light. the advertisement to appear in the "Scotsman" and "Glasgow Herald" on Friday, Saturday, and Monday next. Applications to be lodged by the 21st inst., and the successful candidate to take up his duties as soon as possible in October.
Page 64 26/9/1922
Firemaster, Burgh Officer & Etc.
The Sub-Committee, per Mr Robb, reported that they had met on 22nd inst. and gone over 119 applications. Out of these they had selected a short leet of 3 names viz:-
1) William Graham, Deputy Firemaster, Renfrewshire Fire Station, Overton Crescent, Johnstone.
2) Arthur H Eccleston, Deputy Firemaster, Fire Brigade Station Darnley, Nitshill, Renfrewshire.
3) Robert Buchanan, Deputy Firemaster, Fire Station, Clydebank.
The Town Clerk had notified the foregoing applicants to attend this meeting, and the applicants accordingly were in attendance, and were separately interviewed by the Town Council. Afterwards the Council considered the matter further and unanimously appointed Mr William Graham as Firemaster, Burgh Officer, and Caretaker of Municipal Buildings on the terms and conditions advertised.
Page 73 3/11/1922
Fire Brigade
It was agreed that the Firemaster purchase 2 Pyrene Chemical Extinguishers with 6 refills at a cost of 55s each for extinguishers and 7s each for refills to be used in caes of Petrol Fires.
Year ended 15/5/1922 Fire Department cost £829 - 15 - 6.
Page 16 12/1/1923
Fire Brigade
The Staff is now supplied with boots.
It was remitted to the Convener and Sub-Convener to get estimates for Oilskin Coats for the firemen.
it was agreed that the 4 auxiliary men in the Fire Brigade get a retaining fee of £7 - 10/- each from date of last payment.
Page 22 2/12/1923
Fire Brigade
The Convener reported that Oilskin Coats had been procured for Firemen.
All the Staff now supplied with oilskins 2/3/1923.
Page 33 6/4/1923
Fire Brigade
The following fires had occured during last month, viz :-
On 19th March at Garelochhead Hotel (a County Fire). Estimated damage £5,000 Expenses £30 3s 6d.
A Special report by the Firemaster on the Garelochhead fire was produced and read. One of the Firemen, A.B. Robertson, had been injured in the hand at that fire.
Page 35 16/4/1923
Fire Brigade
The Town Clerk reported that on the instructions of the Convener he had intimated to the Town Clerk of Cove and Kilcgeggan, in answer to an enquiry from that Burgh made to Helensburgh Firemaster by the Cove and Kilcreggan Water Superintendant on a recent visit, that the services of Helensburgh Fire Brigade Engine and appliances did not apply to Cove and Kilcreggan but were confined to districts under the County Council. Letter dated 11th inst from the Town Clerk, Cove and Kilcreggan, was read intimating that the matter was at present under the consideration of the Town Council and asking for an outline of the proposed arrangement which the Helensburgh Town Council would suggest for the consideration of his Council.
It was agreed to intimate to the County Council that the Burgh of Cove and Kilcreggan had made application for the services of Helensburgh Fire Brigade, and ask for the County Council's views on the application to such services being given in view of the Agreement between the County Council and Helensburgh Town Council.
Page 39 4/5/1923
Fire Brigade
It was intimated per letter of 1st inst. from Mr D. Cockburn, County Clerk that the County Council would offer no objection to the local Fire Brigade making arrangements with the Burgh of Cove and Kilcreggan.
It was agreed to offer the services of the Brigade to the Burgh of Cove and Kilcreggan at a retaining fee of £100 per annum, and on similar terms to those agreed on with the County Council, and subject to the County Council approving the new agreement.
Page 45 1/6/1923
Fire Brigade
The Pump of the Fire Engine had been found to be incrusted with salt chrystals caused through using salt water at the Garelochhead Hotel fire, and the engine had been taken to Messrs Dennis Bros' agents, messrs rennie, to be put right. It had now been returned and tested and found to be in splendid working order. Steps would be taken to prevent incrustion in future.
Page 52 3/8/1923
Fire Brigade
It was agreed to accept the sum of £50 for Fire Escape if Convener gets an offer of that amount.
Page 14 7/12/1923
Fire Brigade
The Brigade was called out last month to the following outbreaks of fire viz :-
On 1st November to Alexander Street, Alexandria (County Fire), damage was £150, and expenses £18 1s, and 13s 6d for standby duty.
On 15th November to Rowardennan Shooting Lodge, Stirlingshire, occupied by Mr C. M. Collins, damage £3,000, expenses £36 18s 9d, which are met by Mr Collins and 8s for standby duty.
On 17th November to Home Farm, Rosneath (County Fire), damage £5, expenses £16 10s 7 1/2d and 17s for standby.
Special Reports by the Firemaster on the foregoing fires were also read.
It was agreed that in future the Brigade is not to attend fires outwith the Burgh or the district under agreement with the County Council of Dumbarton.
Page 20 27/12/1923
Fire Brigade
It was agreed that wheel chains be purchased for use in connection with Fire Engine.
It was also agreed that the services of the Brigade could not be afforded to Buchanan Castle, as it was situated beyond the area scheduled in the agreement with Dumbarton County Council
Page 45 ??/??/1931
Fire Brigade
Minute of Meeting of Committee of 27th ult., was submitted and read and approved.
Fire Master's Report was submitted.
During the month the Brigade had been called out to deal with two outbreaks of fire, both within the County area.
Revised Rules and Regulations governing the employment of Firemen were produced and after amendment were approved of and are as follows :-
RULES AND REGULATIONS
GOVERNING EMPLOYMENT OF MEMBERS OF FIRE BRIGADE.
The Brigade is composed of the Firemaster, permanent Motor Driver, Nine retained Firemen, Four Auxiliary Firemen, and Auxiliary Driver, making a total of Sixteen Members. Members of the Brigade, with the exception of the Firemaster and the Auxiliary Driver are divided into Sections as follows :-
(1) Fire Station 2 retained Firemen
(2) East 3 retained Firemen
(3) West 2 retained Firemen and permanent Driver
(4) North 2 retained Firemen
(5) Auxiliary Section 2 Auxiliary Firemen
(6) Auxiliary Section 2 Auxiliary Firemen
1. A Section shall be on Station Duty each evening between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with the exception of Sundays and practice evening. Men on Station Duty must wear uniform.
2. Evening Duty shall be taken by the Sections in rotation.
3. Sunday Duty shall be taken in rotation by the four Sections on the Bell Circuit, one Section to be on Duty each Sunday.
4. The Firemaster and the Permanent Driver shall be on duty at all times, with the following exceptions; between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 midnight on the Saturday of one week and between the same hours on the Wednesday of the following week and also between 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. on one Sunday and between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the following Sunday.
5. The Firemaster and the Permanent Driver shall attend at the Fire Station on alternative Saturdays between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
6. The Fire Siren shall be sounded at the discretion of the Firemaster or man on Station Duty, in the case of Fires occurring between the hours of 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 p.m.
7. Leave, by which is meant permission to be outwith the Bell Circuit but within Siren Call, may be granted by the Firemaster or in his absence by the man on Station Duty.
8. Return to Duty must be reported to the Firemaster.
9. The man on Duty shall be responsible for calls, and noting time and place of Fires.
10. Complaints shall be made to the Firemaster only, who shall immediately investigate these and report to the Convener of the Fire Brigade Committee of the Town Council.
11. Any member of the Fire Brigade who is guilty of neglect of Duty, Breach of discipline or Insubordination, or who is in the opinion of the Firemaster under the influence of Liquor, shall be immediately suspended and the matter reported to the Convener of the Fire Brigade Committee of the Town Council.
12.
Every Fireman when going outwith the Siren Call shall change his Number on the Duty Board from the On-duty to the Off-duty Section and shall also reverse his Number on his return to duty.
13. On a Fire Call being received from the County Area the first eight Firemen to arrive at the Fire Station shall board the Engine along with the Firemaster and Driver; one Fireman shall stand by at the Fire Station, and the remainder shall return to their employment and be paid at False Alarm Rates.
14. Each retained Fireman shall be paid £10 a year, with an additional £4 a year to the Depute Firemaster; each Auxiliary Fireman shall be paid £7 10s a year and the Auxiliary Driver shall be paid £5 a year.
15. Payment to all Firemen for work at Burgh Fires to be at the rate of 4s for the first hour and 2s for each hour thereafter. Time to count from Fire Call until dismissal. Payment for work at County Fires to be at the rate of 5s per hour from the time the Fire Engine leaves the Fire Station until its return.
16. False Alarms, whether from Burgh or County to be paid at half rate.
17. All uniforms, boots, belts, etc., supplied to Firemen are the property of the Town Council, and must be kept in good order and returned to the Firemaster on the Fireman leaving the service of the Town Council.
These Rules shall come into operation on the Fourth day of May, Nineteen hundred and thirty one, and shall until further notice supersede all previous rules and regulations governing employment.
Accounts amounting to £74 were passed for payment.
Page 63 6/7/1931
Fire Brigade
On the recommendation of the Firemaster it was agreed to purchase a Davey Lifeline Rescue apparatus at an approximate cost of £10.
NATIONALISATION OF MUNICIPAL FIRE BRIGADES
A letter from the Professional Fire Brigades Association. dated 17th June, was produced, recommending the nationalisation of Fire Brigades, and requesting the views of the Committee. after consideration it was agreed to allow the letter to lie on the table.
Page 77 7/9/1931
Fire Brigade
The Firemaster reported that the Fire Engine had been slightly damaged as a result of a collision with a motor bus at Garelochhead on 13th ult., and attributed the cause of the accident to the position of a Bus Halt at Garelochhead. It was agreed that the Joint Town Clerk write the County Clerk requesting that the question of altering the present position of this and other Bus Halts on the Garelochside be considered.
Page 84 5/10/1931
Fire Brigade
The Convener reported that the Firemaster has been awarded a Silver Medal by the Professional Fire Brigades Association. for long service. The Convener now publically presented the Firemaster with the Medal.
With Local Government re-organisation in 1995 the Minute books were moved from Helensburgh Library to Lochgilphead Library which is rather far from Greenock to travel to to read, so for now this is all the Extracts.
HELENSBURGH PAGE