FIRE BRIGADE DINNER

Northern Advocate, 17 July 1915, Page 1

FIRE BRIGADE DINNE R

MEMBERS RECEIVE CLASPS

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

The quarterly dinner of the Whangarei Fire Brigade held in the fire station on Thursday night was an unusually happy function. It was marked especially by the presentation' of service clasps to no fewer than seven members whose connection with the brigade ranged from seven to 13 years. Among the visitors were the Mayor (Mr D. W. Jack), Crs. R .1-1. Harrison, J. S. Dent and F. Cutforth, the last three being members of the Fire Board. Superintendent C. H. Chissell presided at the head of a choicely laden table, which was decorated with flowers and patriotic emblems. During the evening songs and whistling solos were excellently rendered to the great enjoyment of the company.

The first toast, of course, was "The Kiug,' and it was honoured, .in acknowledgment of the Royal war pledge, in cold water. The toast of "Our boys .at the front" was pledged in silence. THE FIRE BOARD. Supt. Chissell proposed the toast of the Fire Board. He paid tribute to tho level-headedness of th e members, who minded the business of the Board an: Jid not neglect the brigade. Cr. Harrison, responding, referred to the pleasant relations existing between board and brigade. He believed that the efforts of the latter jn protecting the property of the town should be encouraged in every way. He hoped the board would continue to do Its best to provide proper equipment and the brigade to do its duiy as in the past. Cr. Cutforth said the board hoped io have the motor reel and later, he would like to see a better fire station.

MERITORIOUS MEMBERS. Preeeniins the service clasps, the Mayor observed that since the completion of a proper -water supply and the inception of the brigade no fires had seemed, to get a groat lKhd. Previously Whinsarei siuJered from som c r^he: , ',;'.? dies. He did not ihiui-i ' ■ . ■v-c; --.i icuiiiiu v. ha. t l : ;e to , //;: .-.; .:.• :. :o L:c b..e~ue. v/e; e il not i';.r th;.■.:. >c.;y ;:;d Lii 3 £oo.; vrater Bup;;iy, :.-ii: ..•■:,.1:0 ;:e;:.i'.;iaE bs m ; ,iC:: Ho iiad greiL pioasiire <n piosonting tae -clasps. It apo'?e \v;ch >r c.3 :;i-ii:u!s iliac had :mz\je:s avlio had .continued their service r. or;i yer.r co year. It ehov/ed that .::'■ '.'.■■:.:; v; '.'.icn p-&se:x:ci die?;; „■; .:■ r:.eJi.;c-v£:— -H'jpt. C. H. ~.'.\ .■.■■r.o'.l (13 years' sorvice), BecreLary ■'J.'. l. Socles (13 years),• depa-ty-Supu ■7. Eaeslcn (13 yeara), Firemen ;T. ;. ir. In CI J- H. Trenain (:/ .'.■".:•'.■, L, ill*. ';*"■ :'?••-.""; J' 'V..-I : xtU:\ o: "1.10 I!-'.'-.''''.","' .deposes by deputy-Sup: V. :..eci:or. wure.'.elvcil v.-I;h er.;'iias!ricL.-i. His Worship gra:err;:!y responJel ' •1:B.IG/lDI? C~TICEE3. ~ ■•..•" :.! y.!::e:s oi :.ie bri^iuc.' . Ire aiU.-u:OL*: me visitors that there wdb no in the brigade. he had never worked in any body in which the members so much helped one another. MEMBERS AT THE. FRONT.

,Supt. Chissell in reply said he was sorry to state that the brigade continually suffered changes, due to exterior circumstances. No fewer than six e:i-members were at the front, and he believed, other members were to f o i; oW —"more power to their elbows!" He was glad that the brigade contained men of that sramp. Alluding to the protection of property th e siiperintenednt said that the new water supply-would increase the pressure which had-been impaired by the demand on the present mains. Belter pressure would increase the pav-ers-of the brigade. Secretary Eecles also the toast. THE ALLIES. The Mayor was again called upon, this time to propose the toast of "Tae Allies." in the course of a fine pat- | riotic speech, his Worship emphasised the ris-iltecuEiieEß of the A:i:e.l cause, and the closer unity wlvinh had seen occasioned throughout the Empire. Cr. Harrison, responding, referred with pride to the part taken by the British and particular the Dominion of New Zealand. He was sure that Great Britain possessed the confidence of her Allies. CONCLUDING TOASTS. A toast to the visitors (entertainers) and the press concluded the list,. Messrs R. <G. Hosking and Hugh Reid, and the "Advocate" representative responding. Those who entertained the company in such excellent style were Messrs M. Clarke, Hugh Reic, J. Reli ana R. G. UosUds, i-MKI- Firemen "vVutt:;, Thomas and . ToVmirst. -Mr A. Dobson was the capable accompanist. He also played musical honours to the toast list. The gathering dispersed after the singing of the National Anthem.