SERVICE FOR THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 32, 1 November 1929, Page 11

SERVICE FOR THE CITY

FIRE BRIGADE REUNION AN EFFICIENT BODY There was a large assembly at the Central Fire Station last night for the annual reunion of the Wellington Fire Brigade and Fire Police. The station was gaily decorated for the occasion. Superintendent, J. Creeke presided, supported by the chairman (Mr. N. W. Nelson) and members of the Fire Board, members of the City Council, with representatives from other local bodies and visitors from other brigades. Mr. M. F. Luckie proposed the toast of Parliament. He expressed the hope that the Prime Minister would soon be restored to good health. In the absence of the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle) he coupled the name of Mr. M. Marks. Mr. M. Marks said the New Zealand Parliament was the finest in the world, and whatever their little peccadilloes might be there was a very real friendship between the members of the different parties. _ The toast of the Wellington City Council was proposed by Mr. N. W. Nelson, who said that if the other members of the council were of the same calibre as the council’s representatives on the Fire Board, then the affairs of the city were in safe hands. Responding to the toast, Councillor W. J. Hildreth said the members of the City Council were out to render service. If mistakes were made at times, they gave honest service. “The Wellington Fire Board was proposed by Councillor W. H. Bennett, who said he w’as one of the first to urge the establishment of the Fire Board, and he was very pleased when the City Council saw fit to hand over the responsibility for protecting the city against fire to the Wellington Fire Board. Mr. N. W. Nelson, replying, said the board worked to make the brigade efficient and of the highest possible standard. They were proud of the brigade. The toast of the combined fire services, with which was coupled the names of Captain T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades, Captain Watts, United Fire Brigades’ Association, Captain J. Wright, Fire Police, and Superintendent Creeke, Wellington Brigade, was proposed by Mr. C. J. B. Norwood. Mr. Norwood said he had the honour of being the first chairman of the Fire Board, and as a public citizen was pleased that the brigade was such a highly efficient unit. He regretted Captain Hugo was not present, but they were glad to have with them Captain Watts and Captain Wright. He also paid tribute to the ability of Superintendent Creeke, and referred to the friendship which had grown up between the brigade and the Free Ambulance. He hoped before long the Free Ambulance would be able to properly acknowledge the help it had received from the brigade since it was inaugurated. Captain Watts, Captain Wright and Superintendent Creeke briefly responded. Other toasts honoured were: “Kindred Local Bodies” (Harbour Board, Free Ambulance, and Hospital Board), and Visitors and Donors.” Items of entertainment were contributed by Fireman Quirk, Messrs. H. F. Wood, Berthold and Bent., Moran, Hogg, Bohlson. Felix Entertainers, Nolan, Isbister, Hislop, Tiny and others. A wrestling display was given by Jimmy and Les Garwood, the twin sons of Senior Station Officer Garwood, of Constable Street Station. A very attractive bout was concluded by Les securing a crucifix hold in real Tom Alley style, a feat which brought down the house. The pair scaled 3st. 111 b. each. A boxing exhibition was given by Firemen Upchurch and Drummond.