A REAL REUNION.

Northern Advocate, 15 August 1919, Page 3

A REAL REUNION.

AT FIRE BRIGADE STATION

AFTER A LONG LAPSE

JOYOUS OCCASION

Before the war came along and upset everything, the members of the Whangarei Fire Brigade consistently followed the sociable practice of foregathering once a quarter for camerarderie relaxation. Lest some captious ratepayer might surmise that public funds were drawn on in any way for these entertainments, it may be as well to state here and now that the members met all expenses out of their own scanty honorarium, which meant that they had very little left for indulgence in other "luxuries." But they didn't mind that, so long as they kept the comrade spirit alive— and they are still of the same mind. War cessation has given them an opportunity for reviving the ancient and honourable institution, and last night saw the renaissance of old times,; on a scale that was quite lavish, and certainly a record in point of invited attendance. This provided new features, in that representatives were present from the Hikurangi Pire Brigade, created since the last local social was held, and similarly envoys from the Reotahi Freezing Works Fire Brigade, which is an essential protective organisation where such valuable property is at stake. Mr P. Mander, M.P., was also in evidence, as were Mr J. S. Dent, chairman of the Pire Board, and Messrs P. Cutforth and H. C. Rishworth, local members of that body. Several well-known popular entertainers put in an appearance, with a willing de sire to help the happy cause along, and the Press was likewise present to promote the brigade's interests as far as possible by means of publicity of the proceedings. The reel room, being the largest apartment of the station buildings, was set apart for the function; and its customarily barn-like appearance was transformed, for the nonce into a semblance of Eastern gaiety, with streamers of particoloured bunting, Japanese lanterns, and flag-draped walls. Superintendent C H. Chissell was the presiding genius, at the head of a banquetting board that lacked nothing in the way of appetising attractions, and with him member for Marsden and the mayor of the borough, flanked in close association on either hand. A good word is due concerning the table decorations, the parallel red-white-and-blue base scheme proving very pleasng, and being enhanced by a brave array of flags of the Allied nations spiked into the contents of the various dishes. The service supplied by a number of the men was no whit less effective, and the requirements of everyone seated at the festive board were met with the utmost promptitude and overflowing liberality. Altogether some sixty gentlemen went to the making of the company, and no individual went away, when the stroke of twelve proclaimed the close of ths happy celebration, without a full sense of satisfied enjoyment.

,The Reotahi brigade was represented by Messrs Eckhold (foreman), Liversedge (secretary), Robinson, Jensen, Knapman, and Cook. Hikurangi furnished the following quota:—Messrs Rickards (captain), H. Hewitt (secretary), A. Atfield, T. Gager, and T. Olsen.