MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 December 1924, Page 4

MANAIA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) U.F.B.A. VISIT. The executive of the United Fire Brigades' Association paid a visit to Manaia on a tour or inspection last Thursday night, the executive consisting of (Superintendent A. Morrison i (president), xiawera; Superintendent W. Barnard, immediate past president, Palmerston .North; Superintendent _ C. Warner, senior vice-president, Christchurch; Superintendent T. Anderson, junior v i ce-p re side nt, Rotorua; Advisory Superintendent T. W. Watts, secretary of the association; C. A, Osborne, Onehunga, treasurer. The proceedings opened by a civic reception by the commissioners of the local bodies in the Town Board Chambers, Captain White, Manaia, introducing the delegates. Mr Jas. Hickey, deputy-chairman of the Manaia Town Board, in the absence of the chairman, Mr N. G. Nielson, through illness, received the delegates on behalf of the citizens of Manaia and district, and extended to them a hearty welcome to Manaia. Mr Hickey spoke at length on the splendid work done by the brigades in New Zealand, stating that the fire brigades are the most essential organisations in New Zealand. The chairman apologised for the absence of Cr Neilson, also of Mr E. Long, chairman of the Waimate West County Council, who was also unavoidably absent through business. Superintendent Morrison, in replying on behalf of the officers of the association of New Zealand, heartily thanked the chairman for the.kind reception extended to them from the commissioners and citizens of Manaia. The speaker referred to the splendid water supply of Manaia, which had a pressure of 1171 b at least, which was equal to, if not better, than most of the big centres in New Zealand. , He also congratulated Captain White, of the Manaia Fire Brigade, on the 6plendid appearance of the plant in the Manaia Fire Brigade Station. It would also do credit -to any city. Advisory Superintendent T. .W. Watts endorsed what the - previous speaker had stated, and said; that his colleagues and self appreciated their visit to Taranaki very much and .the great hospitality given to them. He also congratulated Manaia on their splendid water supply and paid a glowing tribute to the spick and spfin order in which the station and gear were kept, and also to the splendid enthusiastic personnel of the brigade. t He also spoke of Manaia getting a motor engine, which would be a step in the right direction. One suitable for Manaia, and properly equipped, would only cost about £240. It was well wortli considering for the benefit of the cown. Both the speaker and Superintendent Morrison gave the warmest commendation to Captain White and officers, saying that nowhere in New Zealand have they seen a station in such apple pie order. The speaker heartily thanked the chairman for the kind reception given to the officers of the TJ.F.B. Association.

The party then adjourned to the Fire Brigade Station, where Advisory Superintendent T. W. Watts . and Superintendent Morrison inspected the Juvenile Fire Brigade, organised by Captain White. An exhibition: was given by the juveniles of three men (wet drill), and the visitors expressed themselves as delighted with . their work, and the time they had taken was a credit to them. They congratulated Captain White on the discipline and work of the juveniles, which went to show beyond doubt that their tutor wa6 the right man in the right , place. They addressed the boys for some time, and heartily thanked Captain White for the good work he was doing in teaching the boys. It would be a good thing if more brigades in New Zealand would follow. Both thanked Captain White, officers and firemen of Manaia Fire Brigade for the kind reception and hospitality they had received, which they appreciated very much. The boys were then dismissed. A sociable evening wa6 then spent in the Fire Brigade Station. A sumptuous supper was laid by the ladies’ committee. The tables were most artistically arranged with magnificent blooms and decorations. The following is the toast list, the deputy-chairman, Cr J. Hickey presiding: “The King”; “U.F.B.A.,’’ Captain White, and responded to by all members of the executive; “Local Bodies,” Mr A. Franklin, and responded to by commissioners of the Town Board; “The Land We Live In,” Mr T. Dee, and responded to by Messrs J. E. Ward and B. Badland; “Manaia Fire Brigade,” Superintendent C. Osborne, and responded to by Captain White; “Sports and Pastimes,” Mr N. Innes, and responded to by Messrs W. Badley, Crawford Watson and J. E. Ward; “Visitors,” Captain White, and responded to by the executive; “Ladies,” the chairman, and responded to by Firemen Murray and Vincent; “Chairman,” Superintendent Morrison, and responded to by Cr Hickey; “Press,” responded to by Messrs Crawford Watson and J. Cosgrove. During the evening songs were given by Messrs B. Badland, J. Cosgrove, Crawford Watson, W. Budd and F. Vincent. A brass selection by Captain and Firemen G. and B. White was much appreciated. The function broke up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”