SOCIAL EVENING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3105, 13 April 1942, Page 5

SOCIAL EVENING

PAEROA FIRE BRIGADE GOLD STAR PRESENTED SERVICE BARS FOR FIREMEN The Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade held a most successful and enjoyable social evening in the Regent Ballroom last Saturday. The gathering, which was the occasion for the presentation of a gold star and numerous other honours, was attended by about 150 firemen and friends and included representatives from the following fire brigades:—Thames, Waihi, Tauranga, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Matamata, Hamilton, Te Kuiti, Huntly, Onehunga and Northcote.

The tables' were laid in a very attractive manner and numerous flags and floral decorations together with a bountiful supply of refreshments and supper and an excellent variety of entertainment added much to the enjoyment of the evening.

Supt. W. J. Moore of the Paeroa Brigade, occupied the chair and associated with him were Mr A. Garrett of Thames, a past "president of the United Fire Brigades Association, Superintendents Roberts (Waihi), Wiltorl (Thames), Stewart (TauTanga-), Pilkington (Te Aroha), Lingard (Morrinsville) and Davis (Huntly), also the Mayor, Mr E. Edwards, chairman of the Fire Council, Councillor W. J. Walmsley and members of the Borough Council and . local bodies. Apologies for absence together with congratulations to recipients of honours were read from Capt. T. Watts, secretary of the United Fire Brigades Association, A. Craig, superintendent Hamilton Fire Brigade, A. ' Osborne, treasurer U.F.8.A., Ex-Fireman J. Ward (gold star holder) Hamilton, formerly of the Paeroa Brigade, Mr W. Marshall and Mr G. P. Lamb. Growth of the Association The toast list, which was interspersed with songs by Mr A. Whisker, humour by Messrs Caisley, Grant, Faulkner, and several clever trick performances by Fireman R. Harris of Hamilton was as follows:—“The loyal toast; ‘United Fire Brigades Association,” proposal by Mr W. Bain ■ and .replied to by Mr A. Garrett who traced briefly the growth of the association from its inception in the late seventies to the present day with 146 brigades affiliated representing over 3000 firemen, of whom about 85 per“cent. are voluntary; “Comrades Overseas,” proposed by ForemanSecretary C. W. JVlalcblm, who mentioned that three members of the Paeroa Brigade had gone overseas, Firemen H. Moore, A. Armour and ROats. A total of over 600 firemen had joined the armed forces and were at present serving their country in various places; “The Fighting Forces”, proposed by Mr Gordon McMillan, who said he was pleased to see both the Navy and the Army represented at the function and urged the older members of the community —those who were over the age limit for military service—to do all they could for the war effort and not to ’leave all the sacrifice to the younger people. “Local Bodies,” proposed by Deputy-Supt. E. Moore and responded to by the Mayor, Mr Edwards, who paid a tribute to the Paeroa Brigade specially Foreman-Secretary Malcolm who displayed untiring effort and interest on the welfare of the brigade. The chairman of the Fire Council, Mr J. Walmsley, who also spoke in reply, said that due to war conditions the Paeroa Brigade was not in as good a position to-day in the matter of water supply and fire fighting equipment as the council desired, but hoped that the time was not far off when these matters could be attended to.' “Visiting Firemen,” proposed by Supt. Moore who welcomed all and was pleased to see so many present. This toast was responded to by each of the six superintendents present Who all conveyed their congratulations to Fireman A. E. Martin on obtaining the Gold Star and other recipients of honours. “Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade,” proposed by Mi-J. Walmsley who remarked that he had lowed with'keen interest the work and progress of the brigade for over 20 years and had witnessed .the presentation of the Gold Star to Supt. Moore over 20 years ago. Super intended Moore replied paying a tnbute to members of his brigade and to volunteer firemen throughout the country. He also stated he was very pleased indeed to have Mr Walmsley present as chairman of the fire cou Presentations Made Prior to the supper adjournment the opportunity was taken to make the presentations to various firemen. Following the presentation of the Gold Star to Fireman A. E. Martin by Mr

Garrett, the following service bars were presented 'by the Mayor, Mr Edwards. Three-year service certificates to Fireman E. Pet't and Fireman J. Pascoe. In presenting these certificates Mr Edwads congratulated the recipients on the attainment of their first honour and trusted that the certificates would be an inspiration to them to continue in the good service to ultimately gain their gold star. Fireman C. D. Rolton received a gold bar, marking 31 years’ service. Foreman-Secretary Malcolm received a silver service bar for 17 years’ service. Supt. Moore received on behalf of Fireman H. Moore (overseas), a 15-years’ service bar and Fireman A. Armour (overseas) 9 years’ service bar. In making these two presentations Mr E|dwards voiced the sentiments and best wishes of all present for a speedy and safe return to New Zealand of the brigade members overseas.

Certificates won in the recent competitions held on the local training track recently formed for the brigade’s use by the Borough Council were then presented to the following:— One-man event, Fireman E. Pett; twomen event, Foreman-Secretary Malcolm and Fireman Tomich; three-man event, Firemen Pett, Pascoe and J. Ganley.

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” followed by the National Anthem brought to an end a most successful function in which the spirit of comradeship among firemen permeated the gathering from beginning to end.

Mr R. Flatt was the official pianist. !