REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1942, Page 1

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). REEFTON, February' 23. At the Fire Brigade Station on Saturday evening an enjoyable social was held to celebrate the first birthday of the Auxiliary Brigade. There was a good attendance of members and visitors. Superintendent C. Coxall, who presided, read apologies for Mr W. Gore Porter (Battalion Commander of the Home Guard), who offered his best wishes for the success of the Brigade, and Deputy- Superintendent S. Newcombe, who recently met with an accident. Mention was made that a member of the Reefton Fire Brigade, Fireman Jim Bennett, was at present with the Armed Forces overseas. They extended good wishes to Fireman Bennett,■ who had been an efficient member of the Brigade. Fireman G. Bennett, ’on behalf of his said that Jim wished to be ’remembered to all his Reefton friends, and was fit and well. • The following toast list was honoured:—• “The King,” “Auxiliary Fire ißri’ gade”, proposed by Superintendent Coxall, who expressed pleasure at being associated with the Auxiliary Brigade, the members of which were training in work of national importance, especially in the grave times with which we were faced. He was especially pleased with the progress of Auxiliary members, who were a conscientious body of men, showing every attention to duty when on parade and unity among themselves. Firemen A. McKenzie and R. Irving, responding, expressed pleasure at being members of the Auxiliary Brigade. They enjoyed their work and they were extremely grateful to Superintendent Coxall for his untiring efforts on their behalf. “The Inangahua County Council” was proposed by Secretary V. Newcombe. Mr W. B. Auld, responding, apologised for the absence of the County Chairman, Mi- W. Clayton and Mr W. F. Archer and the Controller and Deputy-Controller of the E.P.S. in the Inangahua district. “The Visitors,” proposed by Fireman E. Rilev was responded to by Messrs T. F. McKenzie, G. Gow, A. Archer and Fireman F. Lawry. “The Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade” was proposed by Mr W. B. Auld and responded to by Superintendent C. Coxall, Foreman J. Lawry and Fireman J. Eager. Other toasts were “The Musicians” (Fireman A. Turner.), responded to by Messrs D. Hamil and J. Oates; “E.P.5.,” (Secretary V. Newcombe), responded to b” Mr Gow (Home Guard), Foreman J. Panckhurst (Auxiliary Fire Brigade), ,F. Lawry (Works), A. Turner (Women's War Auxiliary), J. Eager (Hospitals); Superintendent C. Coxa’,l (Reefton Fire Brigade). “The Auxiliary Fire Brigades of the British Isles” (MT D. Hamil), responded to by Superintendent C. Coxall; “Kindred Sports” (Mr A. Archer), responded to by Messrs A. McKenzie (Golf), S. Griggs (Trotting), T. F. McKenzie (Football), R. Chandler (/Bowls), W. Blom (Cricket), D. Hamil (Boxing), K. Archer (Tennis), C. Coxall (Swimming); “The Stewards” (Mr C. Coxal!.), responded to by Fireman E. Riley and A. Eklund; “The Press” (Mr C. Coxal!;), responded to by Mr T. F. McKenzie. Mr S. Bartie, who was invalided home from the Middle East, recounted his experiences in England during the Battle of Britain. Musical items were provided by the following: Messrs J. Oates (piano), D. Hamil (accordion), K. Archer, A. Turner, A. Archer, W. B. Auld, W. Blom, R. Irving, F. Archer and R. Chandler. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a most pleasant evening. There was a large attendance at the Patriotic dance held in the Band Room on Saturday evening. Excellent music was supplied by Mrs Nicholls and MT F. E. Boot was a popular M.C. A “Monte Carlo” was won by Mrs Osmond and Mr W. Sanders, and a “Lucky Spot” by Miss P. Cook and Mr R. Hindmarsh.' Mrs T. A. Dellaca was the winner of a competition.