FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9363, 12 March 1896, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.

Yesterday waa an off-day in connection with the Fire Brigade Demonstration. Tho Entertainment Committee had arranged a most enjoyable outing in the shape of a cricket picnic at Lancaster Park, which, by the way, was not taken advantage of to the extent it ought to. have been by the visiting firemen. Yesterday the Comm.ttee went to a good deal of trouble and expense to provide a lunch and pleasant day's outing, and yet only a few of tho visitors came. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company threw open their clothing factory in Cashel street to the visitors, and a large number took advantage of the kind invitation of Mr Hercus, tne manager of the company. All who came were astonished at the size and the numerous departments of the factory, and also greatly impressed with the courtesy of the different members of the staff, who were kind enough to show them round. The excursion to the mill at Kaiapoi has had to be postponed till Saturday, owing to tho regulations of the Governmeut with regard to special excursion trains, which includes the printing of the tickets in Wellington. . Last night there was given on the Market square a magnifioent water idisplay. There were engaged in.it the three steamers —the Deluge, the Extinguisher, and the Railway fire engine. There were fourteen hoses on, and the jets were illuminated by coloured fires supplied by Mr Stokes, who also exhibited some rocketfc and stara. The Garrison Band played in the Rotunda daring the display. To-day the first of the demonstration events will be got off on Lancaster Park, commencing at 10 a.m. The programme of events is an attractive one, and no doubt there will be a large attendance. In the evening a boating excursion will take place. The firemen will muster at the Chester street station at 7.30 p.m., and prooeed by boats to the lawn in front of the C.R.C. sheds, where refreshments will be served, and Mr Stokes will give a display of fireworks.