Fire Brigade Presentations.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3164, 9 September 1880, Page 3

Fire Brigade Presentations.

The presentation of appropriate marks if regard to three prominent member of the Auckland Fire Brigade who are on the evo of tbe retirement from its ranks Was associated last evening with a complimentary supper held in the Working Men's Club. The Mayor presided, while Mr H. Williams (Chairman of the United Insurance Co. Association) officiated as croupior. There wero also present: Mr Philips (Town Clerk), Mr Anderson (City Surveyor), Mr Carlaw (in charge of the Waterworks), Captain Leßoy, and Captain Butler (of tho Salvage Corps). Apologies for unavoidable absence from Superintendent Thomson and Dr. Dawson wero read. After the bountiful fare provided had been discussed, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts duly honoured, Mr Williams gave tho toast of "The Mayor and City Council." In doing so he paid a tribute of praise to His Worship, for his performance of the duties incidental to his high position, hoped that he would be once more re-elected, and concluded by suggesting tho supply of homes to the Fire Brigade. Tho Mayor in returning thanks for the compliment, referred to tho arrangements which were being made for electric bolls, &c. jMr Philips (Town Clerk) proposed " Tho United Insurance Companies Association," and Mr Williams felicitously replied. The Chairman then said ho had been asked by tho members of tho brigade to perform a very agrocablo duty to one Of their ollicurs, viz., the presentation of a complimentary address to Mr Knight. Ho was very glad to bo able to do so, as the gentleman had rendered eflicient and faithful service. He saw that the reason for Mr Knight's retiring wns that bo was not so young as ho was. They had all passed tho morning of lifo, and hoped for a bright day, but he trusted it would bo a long time beforo tho " night" came upon him, Tho address which he had to present from tho brigade, and which was prepared by tlie Assistant Town Clerk, Mr Day, was as follows :—"Presented to Mr John Thomas Knight, by tho members of tho Auckland Fire Brigade, for his invaluablo services rendered as fireman and foreman, and we have much pleasure in bearing testimony to his ability, urbanity of manner, and punctuality of attendance on till occasions where the services of the brigado have been required,—Signed on behalf of tho brigado, John Hughes (Superintendent), John Harloy, John Clark (foreman), Charles H. Brown (secretary}." [Tho address was very neatly engrossed indeed.] His Worship then presented _Mr Knight with a framed card, constituting him a life member of tho brigado, as well as a massive cable albert chain with a medal attache!, on one side of which was a fireman's helmet and crossed branches. On tho other sido was tho inscription—" Presented to Foreman John Knight by tho Auckland Firo Brigade, as a mark of esteem on his retiring, 1880."—Mr Knight in returning thanks said that ho accepted the presentation as a proof that ho had not laboured in vain, and it would be to him a lasting memento that he had done his duty. He had boen io\v sixteen years in tho business of fire extinction, and tho Auckland brigade was tho sixth he had been connected with, but he had met no other brigade liko it. Ho had been called tho father of it. Their meeting to-night was then a proof that his sons were pleased with his conduct, and ho was pleased with the conduct of his sons. He would never forget their kindness, and if ever he could render the brigado assistance, it would bo heartily given. The Mayor, on behalf of the Brigade, then presented Foreman Ansell and Foreman Duggau with seal rings and life-member cards. The shields on tho riugs bore the initials of tho recipients, and on the inside "Presented by A.F.B. as a mark of esteem." Tho remaining toasts were :—" The Firo Brigado," proposed by tho Chairman, and responded to by Superintendent Hughes; "The Salvage Corps," proposed by Mr Knight, and responded to by Captain Butler; " The Naval Brigade, coupled with the name of Captain Leßoy," proposed by Superintendent Hughes, and responded to by Captain Lelioy ; "Tho Press," and " Tho Caterer." A period of conviviality then ensued.