“Gold Star” Fireman Honoured

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 112, 15 May 1939, Page 2

“Gold Star” Fireman Honoured

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE On Saturday night in the Pahiatua Foresters ’ Hall a pleasant function took place in honour of Mr. J.C. Stokes, of the Pahiatua Fire Brigade, who was presented with a gold star for twenty-five years’ service in the fire brigade. A hundred and fifty persons sat down to the banquet, while there were a number of visiting firemen and their wives present, besides representatives of local bodies. At 9 p.m. another eighty persons joined the gathering and a dance was held. Mr. Peter Jackson was at the piano. At the banquet a long list of toasts was proposed. Mr. Clarke, of Masterton, proposed the toast of the “United Fire Brigade,” responded to by Mr. Anon. Fireman A. Gowler proposed the toast of “the Pahiatua Fire Brigade,” responded to by Mr. A. W. White, chairman of the Pahiatua Fire Board. Mr. J. W. Sturton proposed the toast of “the Pahiatua Fire Brigade,” responded to by Superintendent W. Cowry. Mr. W. H. Murch proposed the toast of “the Pahiatna Borougr Council,” responded to by Mr. W. A. Carthew. The Mayor, Mr. S. K. Siddells, proposed the toast of ‘ ‘ the Guest of the Evening, ’ ’ responded to by Mr. J. D. Wilson, who then presented the gold star to Mr. J. C. Stokes. Mr. Stokes spoke in reply. Superintendent Rodgers, of Eketahuna, proposed the toast of “the Gold Star Firemen,” responded to by Fireman Watson, of Waipawa. Deputy-Superintendent Reg. Stokes proposed the toast of “Past Members.” Mr. Duncan Welton responded and Mr. Bill Batten also responed. Mr. Tom Morgan, proposed the toast of “Visiting Firemen,” responded to Fireman Wyatt, of Palmerston North. Mr. S. Daniels, of Eketahuna, proposed the toast of “Friendly Society,” responded to by Mr. Ray Ewan, Mr. Fred Cosford and Mr. Leith Parker. Mr. L. D. Lovelock proposed the toast of “the Visitors,” responded to by Mr. Tom Paget. Mr. Cole, of Masterton, proposed the toast of “the Ladies,” responded to by Mrs. Geo. Jones. The toast of the chairman, Mr. Lawry, was proposed by Mr. Siddells.