OTAKI FIRE BRIGADE’S REUNION.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 7 September 1929, Page 6

OTAKI FIRE BRIGADE’S REUNION.

A PLEASANT EVENING. The annual gatherings in connection with the Otaki Volunteer Fire Brigade , always prove enjoyable, and Wednesday night’s re-union was no exception. /.There was a splendid attendance. The (tables, as usual, were nicely decorated ,in red and white, and laden with an abundance of good things. All toasts were enthusiastically > honoured, whiL songs, etc., added materially to the harmony of the evening. Bupt. Cockrell, who occupied the chair, opened proceedings by proposing the toast of “The KingP’ This was enthusiastically honoured. Air. Cockrell thou extended a welcome to all present, particularly mentioning the district brigades, lodges, honorary and life members, and the fire police. He stated that fortunately the Brigade had only had two calls since the last re-union, and ho wuis pleased to report that the water-supply of the Borough was of the best. It was also very pleasing to have present members of the Foxton and Levin Brigades. Air. Cockrell then proposed the toast of the “Levin and Foxton Brigades,’’ coupled with the names of Foreman Barker (Foxton) and Fireman A’ole (Levin). Both replied and thanked members for their reception. Air. Cockrell read apologies from. Inspector Hugo and Messrs A. H. Clerkc, A. W. Bills, W. B. Dempsey, A. H. Hawk, F. Melrose, A. VV. Broadway, A. Furse, Dr. Maine, X. Thomson, B. Polo, F. B. Morse, A. Batlierley, J. L. Buick, G. Bharp, after which he proposed the toast of the “Fire Board.’’ This body, ho said, wms what the Brigade looked to for all thier equipment and other necessities which they needed, but that. w r as not to say they got all they wanted.

Mr. AV. B, Smith, chairman of the Board, replied and stated he was pleased to hear ‘Molly Good Fellows.” The Board did its best for the Brigade and he thought the firemen were deserving of all they got. He did not envy such duties as having to turn out at night to a fire. The total lire loss in New Zealand, lie said, was very heavy but he would say that Otaki did not help to beep up the average. The Board was pleased and comforted to know that at all times there was a body of men standing by ready to turn out and fight, a fire should such occur. lie referred to the Brigade as an insurance and was sorry that the .Board was not in a position to increase that insurance. It was an honourable work, ami he asked that they keep it up. As a member of the Board lie was proud of this little Brigade. Mr. Lowry related stories of his experiences at the 1 war much to the enjoyment of those present. Fireman C. Bills proposed the toast of “Kindred Societies.” In doing so lie advised all present to become member of a society, lie then outlined a number of benefits to be gained there-

Mr. J. .Irving replied, 1 hanking - members for the toast on behalf of the Oddfellows' Lodge. Mr, Keg. Morgan responded on behalf of the Druids, and congratulated Otaki on having a .100 per cent, efficient Brigade. Mr. .McAlister recited “Cunda Been” in nice style.

Mr. Lowry proposed the toast of the “Fire Police.” He stated it was a bodv of men with a certain amount oi power at a fire, and which: would add to the efficiency of the Brigade. He felt certain that this body of men were men who wore deeply interested in the welfare of the town and district.

Mr. C. B. vSmyth replied and thanked all for toast, stating this being a newly-constituted body he could not give raujjli of interest at the present time. The corps was still three men short and anyone desirious of joining should hand' in their names to the secretary (Mr. Irving). He concluded by stating that he hoped the Police associations with the Brigade would be most friendly and enjoyable. Mr. W. B. Smith (chairman of the Board) then decorated Supt. Cockrell, Sec. Nilsson anti Fireman Irvine with, a two-year service bar each. This made a total of 11 years' service in each case. Deputy-Bupt. Mathle proposed the toast of the “U.F.8.A.” He said this body had the handling of the Brigades ’ funds and was responsible for making rules and the running of demonstrations, etc. These demonstrations were good for the Brigades and he advised members if they had not been to a demonstration to go there at first opportunity as they would learn more in one day than they would learn at home in 12 .months.

Mr. Lowry entertained with, a hum orous song, and received hearty ap plause.

Supt. Booth (Levin) replied to the toast of the U.P.B.A. He said there were nearly 140 Brigades aiiiiliated, and all were entitled to send a clele■gato to meetings. He then outlined Die working of a delegates’ meeting. He thought the U.F.B.A. had done more for fire-lighting than any other body in New Zealand. He also stated that under the system of Fire Boards they got more equipment, etc., and the rvhole of this system had been brought about by the activities of the U.F.B.A.

Mr. Twist proposed the toast of “Life and Honorary Members.” Ho said that the Board supplied the necessary fire-fighting equipment, but this was only otfe side of a brigadesman’s life. There was another side—the social side. Without honorary members the Brigade would have but little funds, and this would the social ability to a minimum. These men had contributed funds, instruments. etc. He was sorry to state that the list of honorary members had fallen from about 450 members to about half that number. He concluded by stating that ho hoped the townspeople would enable this list to be brought

up to its original number at the next re-union.

Messrs A. Freeman, A. Knight, ami 1). Noble replied, and thanked members for toast. Mr. Freeman thqught by an energetic, canvass of the town and district many more honorary members could In; added tc the Mist.

Supt. Booth (Levin) proposed the of the “Otaki Brigade.” He had visited Otaki on live or six occasions ami on one visit, some time ago, he noticed brigadesmen without uniforms, and he asked why? He advised members to go in for a Fire Board, and was very pleased to see such, and all brigadesmen now wearing uniforms. For the first six or seven years, he said, the Brigade had battled along and this showed that the men must have been enthusiastic in their work.

Supt. Cockrell replied, and thanked Siipt. Booth for the toast. He outlined the early clays of the Brigade and stated the first five years was only ‘‘scratching along.” He instanced the good work done by the Brigade with the chemical engine, and described the lire in the theatre engineroom, which would have destroyed the fine theatre had it not been for the prompt action of the Brigade. He then referred to the coming of the Borough water supply and with it the Council supplied the Brigade with one hydrant and Isoft of hose. He said that as the fire plugs were 300 ft apart, and only 150 ft of hose, little could be expected from the Brigade. However, good work jrad been done by the Brigade. Ho was very proud of his Brigade, both officers and men alike.

Mr. Reg. Morgan rendered a song in fine voice.

Mr. Beauchamp proposed the toast of the “Otaki Borough Council.” Ho said he could say what he liked about it without getting a 10 per cent, penalty added to rates. He stated the general appearance of the Borough was much better and pot-holes, which were supposed to have held a world record, had now disappeared, and there wan ho doubt the Council had had a hard “row to hoe,” but under classification it should be much easier in the future.

Mr. J. McGill responded and assured all that the Council had had a “hard row to hoe.” In the last two years the Council had done good work, and had reduced the overdraft and paid back debts amounting to £SOO. Ho hoped for a further reduction in the Council’s debts during the next two years. He was quite sure what the Council had done in the past they ■would improve on in the future.

Mr. H. X Palmer also returned thanks for the toast and assured all that it was a good Council in office. f|id under the able leadership of the new Mayor all .should be well for Otaki. He was not sure of classification and advised all not to expect too much under the new scheme. “Wait ■and sec your rate demands first,” ho added in conclusion.

A string orchestra gave items during the evening, while “Auld Lang Sync,” concluded ■ a most enjoyable evening.