FEDERAL TERRITORY BUSH FIRE ASSOCIATION - 1915

from the Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer Tuesday 2nd November 1915

The meeting convened by the Administrator (Colonel Miller) in connection with the formation of the Federal Territory Bush Fire Assocation was held at the Recreation Hall, Acton, on Thursday last. Col. Miller presided, and there were 40 persons present. The chairman pointed out the objects of the Association which he considered would appeal to all present. They had to make provision for protection against fires, and it was altogether too late to make efforts when the fire was at its height. He commended the work to the landowners and lesses, and would feel delighted with their co-operation in this important matter, brought more closely to them on account of the present and unusual growth of grass throughout the Federal and adjoining territory.

The chairman then read the draft synopsis of the proposed association, which is as follows:-

OBJECTS

The Federal Territory Bush Fire Association is established with the object of securing the organised assistance of all concerned, and the co-ordination of effort in
(a) the prevetnion of bush or grass fires in the territory and adjoining country;
(b) the adoption of necessary measures for combating any outbreak of bush or grass fire in the territory and the adjoining country.

ORGANISATION

The organisation shall be as set hereunder:-

President -There shall be a President who will be responsible for the division of the territory and the adjoining country into districts, and that for the purposes of the Association each such district is placed under the immediate supervision and control of a resident therein, who will be known as the District Executive Officer. The President will keep a record of the names of those District Executive Officers, and of the fire-fightnig plant and equipment in each district, together with men available.

District Executive Officer -There shall be a District Executive Officer in each district who will be responsible for the efficiency of the fire fighting plant and equipment there in. He will carry out such orders as he may receive from the President and take charge of all fire-fighting operations in his district. He will keep a roll of the names of all men in his district available for bush fire fighting, and a list of all fire fighting appliances therein. He will furnish the President with a copy of such roll and of the information respecting equipment from time to time. He will arrange for the necessary transport of men and material, and for the supply of food to those who may be engaged fire fighting.

Official Section - The official section of the Association will be under the control of the Chief Inspector, Lands and Survey Branch. Canberra, who will be responsible to the President for the constant efficiency of the plant and equipment in his charge, and for the organisation of his section of the Assiociation.

Observation Posts - Observation posts for the purpose of detecting, locating and reporting outbreaks of fire will be established wherever necessary.

The following officers of the Department were present:- Messrs F. L. Sheaffe (chief surveyor), J. C. Brackenreg (stock inspector), W. 0. Russell (Lands Department), C. Weston (officer in charge afforestation), and Mr. Drury Reid (surveyor). Mr. F.C. Iredale was appointed Secretary. After discussion the scheme of organisation was adopted on the motion of Mr. A. G. McDonald, seceonded by Mr. C. A. Peden.

By the aid of a large map those present were enabled to study the various districts as proposed and explained by the chief surveyor. After some minor alterations to the proposed districts, the following gentlemen were appointed as executive officers of each district,as follows:- Messrs A. Hyles, C. R. Mc Innes, V. McIntosh, C. A. Peden, E. G. Crace, J. Hibberson, S. Miller, M. McDonald, O. Dulhunty, A. D. Campbell, A. J. McDonald, J. Cunningham, C. H. McKeahnie, A. G. McKeahnie, J. Blewitt, H. Bootee, R. Brayshaw and R. Moore.

The officials of the Home Affairs Department will be responsible for districts Nos.- 11, 12, and 18, and the authorities at the Royal Military College for district No. 5. The followihg officers of the Home Affairs Department will be available in connection with the scheme: Messrs. Brackenreg (chief inspector), Cox (inspector) Ryan (foreman), Horan ard Moran (boundary riders). The persons appointed are nearly all connected by telephone, so that in case of fire the whole orgamnisation could be made available.

The Department of Home Affairs is supplying necessary materials for equipment for the fire-fighters; these will be located at the various depots established with the officers incharge of fire districts. A suggestion that the Queanbeyan Fire Brigade be requested to assist at any outbreak of fire in districts adjoining the town boundary was accepted by the chairman.

The administer on behalf of the Government, thanked the gentlemen present, for attending. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.