GREY FIRE BRIGADE

Grey River Argus, 17 August 1937, Page 8

GREY FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT. There was a representative gathering at the Greymouth Fire Brigade’s annual smoke concert at the Fire Station on Saturday evening, Superintendent P. Deere presiding. An enjoyable evening was spent in the honouring of toasts and the presentation of musical, vocal and instrumental items. Items were given by Messrs W. Payne, P. Blanchfield, T. Learmont, M. McDonald, Richardson. Messrs E. Barton'and A. H. Paterson presided at the piano. • After the honouring of the loyal toast, the toast of the United Fire Brigades’ Association was proposed by Mr B. Tyler, and responded to by Deputy-Superintendent A. White, and 'Secretary J. Walton. Mr D. Shannahan proposed the toast of the Grey Fire Board, Messrs W. H. Parfitt (Chairman), R. Williams and J. B. Kent replying. “The Visitors” was proposed by Mr F. E. Stent. Messrs B. Tyler, O. McLean, Kilpatrick and A. J. McDowall responding. Fireman G. Batty proposed the West Coast Fire Brigades’ Association, Past President H. Neame and Vice-President J. Grant responding- f , The presentation of service honours was then made, as follows, by Mr Parfitt:— Fireman G. Scott, 3 years’ certificate. Fireman S. Meredith, 5 years medal. Two years silver _ bdrs were presented to the following:— Fireman C. Heaphy 7 years’ service; Foreman G. Nelson, 23 years’ service; Fireman F. Costello, nine years’ service; Fireman W. Pring, 21 years’ service; Branchman W. Williams, 13 years’ service; Foreman T. Mclntosh, 19 years’ service; Motorman F. Molloy, nine years’ service; Branchman W. K. Reynolds, 13 years’ service; De-puty-Superintendent A. White, 25 years’ service (gold star). Mr Parfitt, in presenting a two years’ bar to Secretary John Walton, said that his services to the Brigade extended over a great number of years. In fact, it was a very unique record to have been 49 years in the service of the Brigade in May last. He felt that the Borough Council might make recognition of the fact at some public function; also with regard to Superintendent P. Deere as both were going towards their 50th year as active Brigade members. He thought that it was only fitting that they should be honoured in some such way as he had suggested. The toast of the Greymouth Borough Council was proposed by DeputySuperintendent A. White, who said it was a great thing for the Brigade to see the pressure of water as high as 135 lb to the square inch, whereas some few years ago it was only in the vicinity of 100 Tb. Councillors A. H. McKane, A. M. Carroll, and P. Blanchfield responded. Cr. McKane apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr W. Meldrum). He referred to the great self sacrifice of the members of Fire Brigades, speaking in admiration of the work of the men, who all worked for the good of the community they lived in. He also made reference to Secretary Walton’s lengthy service. Foreman G. Nelson proposed “Visiting Firemen,” and Captain Stent (Blaketown), Foreman Sweetman (Cobden), and Foreman Haines (Kumara) replied. Superintendent Deere and DeputySuperintendent White replied to the toast of ' the Brigade, which was proposed by Mr A. H. McKane. Mr Parfitt proposed the toast of the musicians, and the performers, Messrs Barton, Paterson and Richardson replying. Fireman McEnanev proposed the toast of the ladies, and thanked the Caretaker and his good wife, for the fine repast provided. Superintendent Neame (Kurapra) and Deputy-Superintendent White suitably replied. The toast of the Caretaker, proposed by the Chairman, the Press, and the toast of the Chairman, proposed by Mr Parfitt, were all suitably responded to, and the gathering concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Mr W. Meldrum', Messrs J. O’Brien. M.P., F. Garth, t' Deere, J. Duffy, P. Blanchfield se’nr., Foreman T. Mclntosh and Fireman W. Arnott.