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1945
22 January 1945
Preparing to Fight.
Another Bush Fire Brigade
Great Work by police
At Cudgegong Shire Council meeting last week reference was made to the formation of another bush fire brigade for the Cooyal-Botobolar-Stony Creek area, and, of course, there was mention of the recent disastrous fire in those areas. During the discussion it was disclosed that First-class Constables Burns and Kempton, of Mudgee, had earned the undying thanks of the residents for the part they had played in the big fight.
The clerk submitted the following report: -
"On Sunday. January 14, I attended a meeting at Cooyal, which was convened by Cr. Gleeson to consider the question of the formation of a bushfire brigade. The meeting was very well attended, some fifty residents being present, and a very ready willingness to form a brigade was demonstrated.
"In order to bring the brigade into being without delay, I would recommend that council approve of the foundation of the Cooyal-Stony Creek-Botobolar Bush Fire Brigade, serving an area as far north as Moolarben Road, including A. F. Stanmore's property north of that road), along the Cassilis Road as far as Budgee Gap and the Cross Roads, along Botobolar Road to Nurden's, thence by a line south east to join the Lue Brigade, and ultimately linking with the Wollar Brigade's boundary. This definition of the area is merely a rough guide, and the proper details will be worked out later. The brigade will serve Moolarben and Linburn as well as the areas named.
"I would recommend the appointment of the following officers, who were elected at the meeting:- Captain, Mr. W. G. Baker; deputy captains, Moolarben area Mr. A. W. A. Macarthur, Botobolar area Mr. B. Sheehan, Lower Cooyal area, Mr. R. Gallagher, Stony Creek area Mr. W. ? Kurtz, Lower Botobolar area Mr. C. J. Lynch; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. F. Baker; president, Mr. A. Baker.
"On the question of the foodstuffs purchased by council for use at the recent fire, it was decided to circularise the local residents and accept voluntary contributions with a view to repaying this expenditure. I feel confident that this amount will be settled in due course.
"The meeting also decided to recognise the services of Constable W. D. Burns in the matter of work performed by him in the control of operations in the Botobolar area during the recent fire, and it is proposed to prepare a document, to be signed by local residents, and convey to the Commissioner of Police some idea of his efforts and the people's appreciation of them.
"Residents who attended the Havilah section of the fire referred to the outstanding work performed by Constable T. Kempton in that sector, and it was decided to recommend to the Havilah residents that similar action as that to be taken by the Botobolar and Cooyal people in respect of Constable Burns, should be taken by them in relation to Constable Kempton.
"It was announced at the meeting that Mr. Peter White, of Havilah, proposes to contribute £20 to the Cooyal-Stony Creek-Botobolar Bush Fire Brigade.
"Whilst dealing, with bushfire matters, I understand that Mr. White proposes to turn his station Organisation into a brigade, and it is possible that the residents of Eurunderee, Wilbetree, Burrundulla and Spring Flat will consider the question of holding meetings to form brigades.
"It was resolved to approve of the recommendations made in the report.
Cr. Gleeson, after thanking Mr. James for the great interest he had displayed in the matter, said that he was gratified with the result of the meeting. A very capable lot of officers had been elected and, if a fire occurred again, the people would be fully prepared for the fight. "It won't be like the last time," he added.
Cr. Mills complimented Cr. Gleeson for the part he had played in connection with the formation of the brigade.
Mr. H. F. Baker, hon. secretary and treasurer of the newly-formed brigade, wrote expressing the gratitude of the people to Constable Burns. That officer, the writer explained, had worked harder and more continuously than any other firefighter, and no one could speak too highly of the part he had played. It was the desire of the residents that his fine work should be brought under the notice of the Chief Commissioner of Police.
The clerk stated that several brigades had replied to his communication asking for their views concerning the supply of food to the fighters. Wollar considered that each brigade should provide its own supplies; Hargraves and Yarrabin favored spreading the cost over all brigades; Windeyer and Pyramul contended that the cost should be borne by the brigade in whose area the fire occurred. Cullenbone could not come to a decision, and suggested that a conference of all brigades be held.
Cr. Gleeson favored the conference suggestion, while Crs. Perram and Mills had a motion carried that an officer from the Bush Fire Advisory Committee be requested to attend.
It was decided to hold a conference in February or March, and that one delegate from each brigade - preferably the captain - be given voting power1
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1953
22 June 1953
Clerk's Report.
Bush Fire equipment. - "I have advised the Local Government Department that equipment to the value of £1,162 will be ordered for bush fire brigades for the year ending 30th June, 1954. The brigades have requested the following items: -
Cooyal: 6 axe handles, £1/5/6; 12 knapsack nozzles, £1/4/-; 6 rake handles, 15/92
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2011