Fire Brigade Social.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 696, 6 October 1909, Page 5

Fire Brigade Social.

Despite the dissuading elements there. Was a large attendance at the fourth annual plain and fancy dress social on * Thursday last in aid of the funds of the Alexandra Fire Brigade. The committee of ladies, headed by the popular and genial president (Mrs Williams) and her energetic lieutenant, Mrs Turner, who carried out her secretarial duties in an indefatigible manner, had all arrangements complete for the comfort and convenience of patrons. Tlie social was in every way a pronounced success, and there were a larger number in fancy costumes than last year, whilst the attendance was about equal to that of the last .annual social. Over sixty couple's took part in the grand march, which was led off by Fireman G. Brown, who made an ellicienl M.0., and Mrs Williams. The fair sex easily outrivalled their sterner friends in the matter of fancy costumes, many of which were of a unique and graceful description, presenting a somewhat striking contrast to the ordinary evening dress. Excellent music was supplied gratis by a number of ladies and gentlemen, and refreshments were partaken of, the catering being in the able hands of Mr Sncesfou, our local baker. During the evening an effective tableau, depicting firemen lighting the flames; was presented, Mr R. Smart effectively rendering " The man with the ladder and the hose." Vocal items were also ably rendered by Miss M'Lennan and Mr 11. Olsen. Prior to refreshment interval, Mr T. 11. Cahill, on behalf of the ladies, expressed the sincere thanks of the committee for the hearty response of the public in attending in such large numbers and assisting the brigade in its good work, lie also referred to (he presence of the Clyde residents and thanked them for their appreciative co-operation.. The social was inaugurated iu 1906 as a means of compensating the brigade for the heroic efforts rendered by the members at the time of the mine disaster in Alexandra, when many brave men descended into that inferno to effect, a means of rescue for the entombed miners. That day would ever be remembered in the annals of Alexandra, and showed to what extent the members of the brigade were prepared to submit themselves on behalf of their fellow townsmen.. The benefits and advantages from having a brigade in their midst were fully appreciated by the public of Alexandra, for the members of the brigade gave their services gratuitously in their often dangerous undertakings. Three annual socials had been held, as a result of which the ladies were enabled to hand to the brigade the handsome sum of £BO, and it was expected that the present function would add another £2O to that figure, thus making in all £IOO collected as the outcome of four socials. The response of the residents was indeed gratifying to the ladies and also to the brigade, who were deeply indebted to their fairer friends for their successful efforts. Mr Cahill concluded by exhorting on one and all to continue iu assisting the brigade whenever opportunity offered. With apologies for any omissions, the following is a list of the fancy costumes worn at the social:—

Miss Sehaumauu —Japanese. „ M'Nauuu'a—Nurse. „ Smith— Butterfly. ~ M. Davidson —Folly. „ Sawyers —Vanity Fair. „ Honor—Harvest. „ Gray—Milkmaid. ~ Dimoiid —Selioolgirl. „ Naylor —Nurse. „ Hoiden—Good Luck. „ Koss—Bunaway Girl. „ I. Boss—Folly. „ D. Hessou —Coleen Bawn. „ Harlcy—Old English Girl. ~ M. King—Ferus. „ D. Sawyers—New Zealand. „ K. Deady—lrish Girl „ Hansen —Sweet Girl Graduate. „ Davidson—ltalian Daueing Girl. ;, 0. Davidson—Old Gold. „ L. Hoiden —Housemaid. „ Sanders —Ivy. „ lua Sutherland—Pansy. „ Coulsou —Good Luek. ~ V. Sanders —Good Luck. „ Murrell—Myriue. „ J. Harlcy—Nancy Lee. „ Sullivan —Schoolgirl. Mrs M'Glashan —Greek Lady. „ I. Larsen —Irish Girl. „ A. Larsen —Spanish Girl. „ Thomson —Harvest. • „ Turner —Daffodil. „ Burnside —Buination. „ Higgius—America. ~ Timmings—Fashions. „ Cahill—Night. „ D. Bringans Fish Wife. „ J. M'Kellar—Grecian Lady. „ Nieper—Egyptian Dancing Girl. „ J. Brown—Schoolgirl. Mr Dumsday—Pygmalion. „ .Arthur—Chrysos. „ Fleming —Grecian costume. „ Montgomery—Tramp. „ J. iiarley—Tramp. „ Kelman—Curate. „ A. Larsen— Buffalo Bill. „ I. Larsen—lrishman. „ Bodkin—Middy. „ P. Campbell—Sailor.., „ Sullivan—Volunteer. Tenuis, cricket and other sports wer« also represented.