SMOKE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 18

SMOKE CONCERT

Volunteer Fire Police Established in 1898, the Wellington Volunteer Fire Police has progressed steadily, as.was shown by the large attendance at the annual smoke concert on Tuesday night. Cr. Martin uckic, representing the Wellintgon City Council, and members of the Wellington Fire Brigade and the Wellington District Free Ambulance, were guests. The present strength of the fire police is 23, with a captain and deputy-cap-tain. The organisation extends to the suburbs, seven lieutenants each having a district. Part of the work of the fire police is to control crowds at large fires, hut the principal task is to assist in salvage, thereby reducing lire loss. A tribute to the work of the organisation was paid by Cr. Luckie when replying to the toast of the council. He expressed the sincere appreciation of the city of the work of tlie corps. There was not more than 20 per cent, of the ■ people of Wellington, he said, who knew what the organisation was, or knew of the great service that ■was being given without remuneration. During the evening the annual swear-ing-in ceremony was held, and Mr. G. W. King, the lion, treasurer, and Mr. E. Last-Harris, the retiring secretary, were presented with cheques. The following toast list was honoured: ‘•The Wellington Fire Board,” proposed by Deputv-Captain F. -L Ballinger, and replied to by Mr. N. Nelson, chairman of the board: ‘‘The Wellington Fire Brigade.” proposed by Mr. G. W. Key, and replied to by Deputy-Superintend-ent. .1. Creekc; “The Wellington Volunteer Fire Police.” proposed by Mr. Nelson and replied to by Deputv-Captain Ballinger; “The Wellington Citv Council.” proposed by Lieutenant W.'.T. Churchill, and replied to by Cr. Luckie: "The Wellington Free Ambulance.” proposed by Lieutenant F. W. Boyd, and replied to by Mr. F. Roffe. ‘ , ■ Various musical items were contributed during the evening.