Firemen’s Smoko Concert

Northland Age, Volume XII, Issue 44, 12 August 1943, Page 1

Firemen’s Smoko Concert

The annual smoko concert of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade was held last Saturday evening in the Masonic Social Hall, where Mr. J. T. B. Taaffe presided over an attendance of nearly 40. Guests included representatives from the Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Waipapakauri Air Force Fire Section. Apologies for inability to attend were received from a number of other Brigades. During the evening Service Certificates were presented to a number of the Brigadesmen and Secretary B. McKinnon called the roll of all members both at home and serving overseas. Superintendent P. S. W. Stone remarked that of the original brigade some fifty per cent of the members were serving in the forces. A very hearty welcome was extended to an original member, Jim Hannigan, who is on furlough from tht 2nd N.Z.E.F. Supt. Stone also disclosed that the total voluntary subscriptions received by the Brigade during the recent collection amounted to £205 12/4. The following toasts were honoured: “The Brigade”—Mr. J. T. B. Taaffe; “The Kaitaia Town Board” — Secretary B. McKinnon; “The United Fire Brigades Association” —2nd Foreman D. Buckle; “Brigadesmen Overseas”— Mr. K. Knight; “Visiting Brigades”— Supt. Stone; “The Services” —Fireman A. Thompson; “The Artists”—Fireman C. Maria. Items were given by Mr. J. Parker, Fireman Woods, Mr. F. Begley, 2nd Foreman Buckle and a number of others. At the conclusion, the opportunity was taken to install ten new members in the “Ancient Order of Tomtits” thereby benefiting the local patriotic funds.