“HAIL TO THE VICTORS!"

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 March 1926, Page 4

“HAIL TO THE VICTORS!"

CHAMPIONS OF NEW ZEALAND.

HAWERA FIREMEN RETURN.

FROM DUNEDIN DEMONSTRATION

“See the Conquering Hero Comes,’’ played by the Hawera Municipal Band, and the-cheers of the large assemblage of Hawera citizens, welcomed five firemen from the Hawera brigade who returned last evening from the Dunedin demonstrations, the “crack team of New Zealand, bringing with them the Championship, High Pressure and Manual Shields. The team was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr E. A. Pacey) and members of the Fire Board, who congratulated them on their success. Ihe band led a procession to the fire station, where the trophies were formally presented to the brigade. Apologies were received from Messrs H. G-. DicKie, M.P., and Geo. Duncan, member of the board. . , , The Mayor, after calling for cheers* which were heartily given, expressed his pleasure at welcoming Superintendent Morrison and liis doughty firemen. All New Zealanders, as well as Hawera citizens, had followed the work of the team, and the people were~j#d»ud to know that it had won the NewJZealand championship, a feat which reflected great credit on the superintendent, for it was the fourth occasion in succession on which lie had led his team to this victory. This was _ eloquent proof that Hawera had the right man in charge of its brigade. But not all' the credit was due to the superintendent; the victory was due to team work, and it was the men who had backed him up who had ensured the success. Even the firemen who had remained at home had done something towards the achievement, for they had been of assistance during the training ■ of the team. The team had not only won the Championship, but the High Pressure Shield —(A voice: And they have no pressure here to work on!)- —and the Manual Shield. Its record was very high, for in twelve events it had only failed to secure a place in two. Superintendent Morrison had been actively engaged in fire brigade work, and for some time had acted as a vice-president on the New Zealand Brigades’ Association, and had recently been elected a life member. He would conclude by congratulating the firemen on upholding the,prestige of the town in such an excellent manner.

Mr. L. A, Bone, acting, chairman of the Hawera Fire Board, paid a high tribute to the activities of. Superintendent Morrison on behalf of the brigade, and said that the people of Hawera felt indebted to him for his good work. The town had again received proof of its brigade’s efficiency, and now that a first-class engine and an up-to-date alarm system were at its disposal, it was felt sure that a fire would have small chance in Hawera.

Mr J. M. Townsend, a member of the board, said he had been one of the optimists who felt that the returning of the shields to the demonstration would be an unnecessary trouble, for the team was certain to bring them back. Mr H. L. Spratt, Government representative on the board, also added his congratulations on the success of the N team. . •

Superintendent Morrison, in reply on behalf of the team, offered his sincere thanks for the expressions of congratulation and'the enthusiastic manner in which the public had offered a welcome. Since he had come to live in Hawera two years ago he had congratulated himself on coming to such a fine and sporting community.

At the fire station, Foreman Hurley welcomed the team and offered the brigade’s congratulations on the high measure of success achieved.

Superintendent Morrison then presented the shields to the brigade and the foreman replied.