MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 24 October 1940, Page 2

MOTUEKA

CIVIC RECEPTION TO FIRE BRIGADE TEAM WINNERS OF SUB-ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP At the community sing held on Tuesday evening at Motueka in support of the Navy King and Queen, opportunity was taken to accord the team of the Motueka Municipal Fire Brigade a civic welcome on bringing back the Fordson Championship Shield from Picton. Members of the brigade were on the stage with their trophies and were given a rousing reception by the audience when the Deputy-Mayor, Mr S. E. Hulbert, extended to them congratulations on their successes at the annual demonstration, conducted by the Marlborough-Nelson-Golden Bay Sub. Association at Picton on Saturday. Members of the team were Lieut. T. Simpson and Firemen L. Kelling, A. Stuart and J. York. This, said Mr Hulbert was the fifth competition and the first time the Motueka Brigade had had their name on the shield. Reference was made by the speaker to the cordial relationship which existed between the brigade and the council, and to the valuable services rendered by members to the boroqgh. Mr A. L. Kirk. Town Clerk. then read the following letter from the Mayor, who, through illness, was unable to be present:—“l desire to extend my congratulations to the winning Fire Brigade team on their meritorious performance at Picton last Saturday. I regret that I am unable to be present to convey my best wishes but hope to congratulate them personally in the near future. I feel sure the citizens of Motueka must be proud of these men, who have given so much of their time in training, and bringing honour to their home town.” Mr P. G. Craig, who has been closely associated with the brigade for a number of years, in speaking on behalf of the team drew attention to the fine display of cups the team had brought back from Picton. The brigade had wonderful success at the competitions. He was proud of his association with the Fire Brigade and he considered that the residents of Motueka also should be proud of it, and give their support at all times. Members were prepared to give service and to make sacrifices. LIFE MEMBERSHIP BADGE TO MR O. C. WILKINSON Mr Craig, continuing, said he had a pleasant duty to perform—the presentation of a life membership badge to Mr O. C. Wilkinson who was the founder of the brigade in 1912 and for years acted as honorary treasurer and secretary. He had done wonderful work for the brigade and was the chief factor in bringing about the formation of the Sub-Association. On the foundation laid by him the succeeding members had built up the brigade to its present state of efficiency. Mr Wilkinson was the hdlder of a gold star with bar. The badge was accepted by Lieut. Simpson as the recipient was unable to be present. Musical honours were accorded Mr Wilkinson. PRESENTATION TO FIREMAN A. ATKINS Lieut. Simpson, in presenting Fireman A. Atkins with a gift from the brigade in token of past services, said the brigade did not often get the opportunity of showing its appreciation in public. Fireman Atkins, in returning thanks, remarked that he had spent eleven happy years with the brigade. He regretted having to sever his association with it, but was residing some distance from town and felt he was keeping a younger man out. PRESENTATION TO MR CRAIG Lieut. Simpson then presented Mr P. G. Craig with a gift as a mark of the brigade’s appreciation. Mr Craig had, said Mr Simpson, helped with SubAssociation work, with the auditing of books and had also rendered service to the brigade in many other ways. Mr Crai£, in thanking members for the gift, said there was no organisation more appreciative of help than the Motueka Fire Brigade. Lieut. Simpson thanked the DeputyMayor and the public for the reception accorded the Fire Brigade team, also the Community Sing Committee, for giving the brigade the opportunity of spending half an hour with the public ,during the patriotic entertainment.