Hon. D. BUDDO.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1287, 13 September 1910, Page 4

Hon. D. BUDDO.

FEILDING'S NEW FIRE STATION

THE OFFICIAL OPENING. AN INTERLUDE. The Hon. D. Buddo, on his arrival yesterday, was taken in hand "by Mr D. fi. Guthrie, M.P., who acted as

cicerone on a trip to Bartholomew's '■ Bush and the Racecourse. Mr Buddo was greatly taken with the bush and its possibilities, and foresaw a line range, picnic ground, and popular resort there in the near future. Arter being shown the Racecourse and hearing about the generosity of the Club to athletics and games, Mr Buddo spoke in high terms of praise of the public spirit shown by the members and the great advantage to Feilding such an institution must be. At 1.30 p.m., the Minister was entertained at luncheon at Hastie's Hotel by the Chairman of the Fire Board, there being also present Messrs D. H. Guthrie, M.P., F. Y. Lethbridge and Fred. Pirani, ex-M.'sli.R., 1 the Mayor of Palmerston (Mr J. A. j.*ash), Crs. Hay don, Turner, and] Armstrong (members of the Palmerston'North Fire_ Board), Messrs 'I'rewin, Pleasants, It. M. Simpson, Ewon, and Mallard (membprs of Feilding! Fire Board), Crs. Tolley, Atkinson, Clapham, Richmond, Barry, and Harford, Superintendent Warner (of Pal- \ merston North), inspector Hugo, Mr j AY. F. Bramwell (President Feilding j Chamber of Commerce), Mr Black J (Private Secretary to the Minister), Mr Geary (Town Clerk), Mr Roche for the building), Mr Saywell. (Superintendent) and Mr W. J. Jones (Deputy Superintendent). After an excellent luncheon, Mr Goodbehere thanked the Minister for so proir.ptly responding to tho invitation extended to him, and expressed his pleasure at being ablo to welcome him to Feilding. The Minister's health was then honoured. The Hon. D. Buddo thanked the Mayor and those present for the hearty welcome they iiad extended to him, and the Fire Board for their invitation. It was a pleasure to bo present; at the completion of an important public work like the new Fire .Station, i'lie presence of so many busneiss men at that busy hour of the day he felt was a ■ great ■ compliment and an appreciation of the work of the Fire Board. He knew something of the difficulties the Board must have to contend with and the prejudices they would have to overcome, and honoured the members for their devotion to a public duty. He had noticed in the short drive he had just concluded that the surrounding country gave every promise of a bountiful spring, and he congratulated them on the eviednces of fertility all around them, i (Applause.) The adjournment was then made to the new station. The new Fire Brigade Station, erected at a cost of £1300, was then ollicially opened by the Hon. IX Buddo, Minister of Internal Affairs. In additibn to the Minister, there were also present. Messrs D. H. Guthrie, M.P., Mr E. Goodbehere (Mayor and Chairman of the Fire Board), Mr T. Hugo, Government Fire Inspector, members of the Fire Mr W. F. Bramwell (President Chamber Commerce), members of the Feilding Borough Council, members of the Palmer'stoii North Fire Board, and a group of interested citizens.' The members of the Brigade, under Superintendent Saywell and Deputy Superintendent W. Jones, were present in force, and had the material brightly polished, everything looking spick and span. Mr Goodbehere briefly introduced the Minister, and refereed to the satisfaction it was to have such a line building for the Brigade. He called for cheers for. the Minister. Mr Buddo expressed his pleasure at being present, and in declaring the. fine 'building which had been erected in the public interests, open. It was always a pleasure to take part in such functions. He recognised that such an important town as Feilding was bound to be up-to-date, and this new building was a sign of Feilding's progress. He referred to the extra cost which the Board had (gone to in erecting such a fine building, and he was sure xne ratepayers would endorse their action. Mr Buddo regretted the loss of life of a fireman here sometime ago, and said that showed how necessary it was, not only from the point of view of saving property, but in saving life, to have first-class fire - fi(_htin.g npi>lianccs. He emphasised the fact that it was a very mean joke to give false alairms to firemen and hoped the residents would check such. Fire waste was dealt with, the Minister saying the plentifulness of. our timber supply made wooden buildings numerous, and therefore Brigades necessary; but ne felt sure the more modern buildings would be fire resisting. Fire wastewas very material in this country, but they must put a good deal of it down to wooden buildings. The standard for the men to set before themselves was to get to a lire within a half-mile radius in from 4 to 4$ minutes after receiving the alarm. If they did that, they would have no reason to lie ashamed of themselves. With this new building, he hoped they would have a new lease of prosperity. After the opening of the new Fire Station at Palmerston there had been an increase in the building permits, and he hoped it would be the same here. He concluded by referring to the stability and progress of the farming interests ot the district, and hoped the new Fire Station would be another sign of the prosperity of Feilding. (Loud applause.) Mr D. H. Guthrie, M.P., thanked the Minister for coming to Feilding to open the Station, and hoped the next time he came they would.be able to show him the large extent of valuable country lands of which Feilding was the centre. Mr Guthrie went on to refer to the excellent services of the firemen of the Feilding Brigade, referring to the fact that they "had ever been ready to give their services voluntarily in protecting property. The Minister then declared the new E^ire. Station open, and as the doors flew back the men were seen standing at attention. A demonstration was then given of the speed with which the "Brigade could get away to a fire. A horse was harnessed and the cart sent off, a hand cart following, the 'men showing great alertness, for which they were much admired. On their return, the Minister briefly addressed the men and congratulated them on the smart turn-out. He reminded them that now they had something to look forward to, for the future success of tho Brigade would depend upon the manner in which they exercised the privileges placed in their hands. He concluded by_ wishing the men every success in their work. Tlie ceremony ended with three cheers for the Minister.