FIREMEN'S RALLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 97, 26 April 1932, Page 17

FIREMEN'S RALLY.

WAIHI GOLD STAR CEREMONY, S UPERIN TEN DEN T HONOURED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, Sunday. The presentation of tlie first gold star under the auspices of the New Zealand United Fire Brigades' Association to come to YVaihi was tlie occasion of a very large gathering of firemen and representatives of local authorities in the Miners' Hall on Saturday evening, the Mayor, Mr. W. M. YVallnutt, presiding. The recipient was Superintendent W. E. Roberts, who has just completed 25 years' local service in tire-lighting, and the social was tendered to him as a compliment by the citizens of YVaihi. Among those present was the Mayor of 'J.auranga, Mr. B. (J. Bobbins, who is a past president of the association and holder ol the gold star, and Mr. Elisor, Mayor of Thames.

The presentation was made by Past President Garrett, of Thames, who referred to tlie tine service rendered in tlie interests of the public by Superintendent Roberts. A feature of tlie ceremony was the dancing of a Maori haka of joy on the stage immediately after the actual presentation of the stay, and before the superintendent replied.' The haka was led by Mr.' S. M. Hovell, causing much enthusiasm among the visitors, and imparting a .lively tone to the scene on tlie stage. Superintendent Roberts, on rising to reply, was accorded a firemen's welcome with musical honours. A sheaf of congratulations to the superintendent was read by the chairman, including one from Mr. Wilfrid Skegg, an Auckland member of the YY'ailu Fire board, who stated that the Wailii brigat.c had reached a high stage of efficiency under the direction and control of Superintendent Roberts. The chairman of tiie board, Mr. W. Ellerington, also referred to the good services rendered by Mr. Koberts and congratulated him on beliau of the board. During the evening the superintendent was tlie recipient ot a presentation from the members oL the brigade, the presentation being made by deputy-superintendent Shergold. 'J he presentation of local honours to members of the brigade was made bv the superintendent, the recipients being I'ircmen J. Pcnnell, A. Zenovien, It. /.enovich, H. Shergold, E. Shergold, Jj. YV'arnc, R. Morgan and VV. MacDerniott. A concert programme was interspersed with the toast list, and included orchestral items by the Rhythm Boys' Baud.