Cromwell Fire Brigade.

Cromwell Argus, 4 October 1926, Page 3

Cromwell Fire Brigade.

The annual meeting of the above was held on Monday 20th ult. There was a full attendance of members. Others present were the Mayor (Mr D. C. Jolly).. Cr. Wishart, Mr A. Stephens, Town Clerk, and the brigade officials, Messrs P, Mitchell, D. A. Cahill, and G. M'Lachlan. An apology was received from Ex-Capt. Varcoe. Captain Tidey extended a hearty welcome to the visitors; thereafter the Mayor took the chair.

Minutes of last annual meeting were read and confirmed.

Captain Tidey's report was as follows : —ln presenting my annual report, lam very pleased to once again compliment the members of the brigade on the keen manner in which they attend to their duties, and also for the way they attend meetings and practices. The present roll strength is 16. Since the previous annual meeting Fireman Stumbles has resigned, and whilst regretting this we wish him the best of luck in his new sphere. Fireman Hardy joined the brigade in Fireman Stumbles' place, and is proving a very keen member. Your brigade was represented at the U.F.B.A. Demonstration, held in Duuedin on the "Exhibition grounds, Capt. Tidey (delegate) and a team consisting of Foreman Ree, Firemen Dennison and Partridge attending. These members acquitted themselves creditably, and reported having a real good time. The annual brigade competitions were held during the season. The aggregate for Ex-Capt, - Varcoe's Shield was won by Fireman Dennison from scratch, and he is to be congratulated on his fine performances. Trophies for competition were presented by Messrs H. Hotop, C. Sanders, M. McGrath, Todd Bios., Hay ward and Clarkson, Bowies Ltd., Jolly and Sons, G. Stumbles and Sons, and Capt. T. J. Watts, for which the brigade's thanks are due. Ladies'. Day was held during the season and was a most successful function. As brigade funds are very low and as there is immediate necessity for improvements to the station, it was decided to hold a bazaar on Race-nights, and arrangements for same are well in hand in connection with this. Four calls were received by the brigade during the past year, and the brigade was able to cope with these before any damage was done. The meetings and musters for the year number 44, a record for the brigade. A wet plug has been installed on the practice ground, and this will considerably assist the brigade in training for demonstrations and ordinary brigade work. A gear box has been erected by the borough council at the Council Chambers, and emergency gear is stored in this. The electric light has also been installed at the station, which is a great boon to the brigade. It is very gratifying to members to know that the council is out to assist us as much as possible, and. our thanks are due to them for their assistance. The balance-sheet; shows a credit of £7 0s 9d. The thanks of the brigade are due to Mr D. A Cahill, handicapper, and Mr P. Mitchell, timekeeper and judge, and also to Mr G, McLachlan> assistant judge. I must also congratulate and thank Lieut. Smart for the capable manner in which he carried out his duties as secretary. In conclusion, I must thank the officers and all members of the brigade for the manner in which they have carried out the duties allotted to them, and trust that the brigade will continue to prosper.

The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, with a credit balance of JE7 0s 9d, complimented the brigade on its financial position. The motion was seconded by Fireman Scott and carried. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Captain, Mr A. Tidey; Lieut., Mr A. Eee ; Foreman, Mr R. Thomas ; Apparatus Officer, Mr G. Mitchell ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr C, Smart; Auditor, Mr E. Jolly ; Committee, Officers and Firemen Partridge and Hosking; Handicapper, Mr D. Cahill; Timekeepers and Judges, Messrs P. Mitchell and T. M'Lachlan.

The officers and officials returned thanks for their election and gave assurance of continued interest in the brigade. The Bazaar Committee reported that a committee of ladies had been formed, and the arrangements were well in hand for the bazaar to be held on Race-nights. The offer of a trophy for competition by Mr G. Wishart was accepted with thanks. The question of a Church Parade by the brigade was discussed and held over for a future meeting.

The Mayor, in closing the meeting, thanked the brigade for its services to the borough, and also complimented members on the various improvements carried out during the year for fire prevention. Cr. Wishart and the Town Clerk endorsed the Mayor's remarks. A vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding closed the meeting.

Fo'lowing the general business the annual smoke concert was held, the Mayor officiating as chairman. The toast list was as follows: —"The King," the Chairman; "U.F.8.A.", Captain Tidey,responded to by Fireman Dennison; " Prize-Winners," the Chairman ; " Local Bodies," secretary Mr C. Smart, responded to by the Mayor, Cr. Wishart and the Town Clerk; " Officials," Lieut. Ree, responded to by Messrs D. A. Cahill, P. Mitchell, and G. M'Lachlan ; " Sports Bodies," Apparatus Officer Mitchell, responded to by Mr D. s A. Cahill (football), Mr A. Stephens (tennis), and Mr G. Wishart (bowls); "Ladies," Fireman Partridge, responded to by Fireman E. Hayes, P, Hosking, W. Elliott, and Mr P. Mitchell. Items were rendered by the following : —Firemen Hayes, Orr, and Cr. Wishart, Fireman Hardy officiating at the piano. The following senior honors were presented by Cr. Wishart: —Five-year medals: Firemen R. Orr and W. Partridge, and ex-fireman G. Stumbles. Two-year bars: Fireman J. Hosking, Apparatus-Officer G. Mitchell, Foreman R. Thomas, Captain Tidey, and Fireman Dennison. The Mayor presented to Fireman Dennison Ex-Capt. Varcoe's Shield for the best aggregate during the year and a trophy presented by the brigade, In doing so he "complimented Firman Dennison oh his performances. The J&llowing trophies donated by bumnessrfirms were presented : —Mr H. Hotop, Fireman G. Stumbles; Bowie's Ltd., Fireman Ree; Mr C. Sanders, Fireman J. Trevathan ; D. A. Jolly and Sons, Fireman P. Hosking ; Captain J. "Watts, Fireman Dennison; Mr M. M'Grath, Fireman P. Hosking ; Hayward and Clarkson, Firemen Dennison and Elliott; Todds Ltd., Fireman W. Partridge.