OAMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13929, 10 July 1917, Page 2

OAMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

■'—-7 V" ■:,'-■,<

ANNUAL REUNION,

The animal re-vmion of the Oamavu Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in" Bnrtrum's Tea-rooms last evening. Superintendent James presided over a' lnrge assembly of local nnd visiting fireme'n (the latter representing the Hillside, Dunedin -Railway, Port Chalmers, and Raven-bourne brigades), and also honorary members and life members of the brigades, Apologies for absence were received from the following officers and members:—Mr.E. P. Lee, M.P., his Worship the .Mayor (Mr B. Milligan), Messrs F. Vennoll, W. Meldrum, J. 11. Brown, W. Clark, B, A. de Lautour, Gavin McGhie, ((. M. Procter, E. Piper, A. Fraser, B. B. -Walton, and J. 8. Webb, ,T. Chalmerg and J. Hislop, of Dunedin, E, Mohan, Dr. Orbell, ExSuperintendent Mainland, ex-Fireman Rowland, Superintendent Napier and Lieutenant Haig, of Dunedin, Superintendent Carter (Sutnuer), Captains Lyons and Hean, Treasurer Amott, Captain Watis (Newmarket), Treasurer Osboume, and the Maori Hill, Mosgiel, Dunedin Railway Workshops, Milton, Invercargill. Balclutha, and Onehunga Brigades. The loyal toast was honoured, after which a number of other toasts were given.

In proposing the toast of "The Xnvy and Army," Mr Hart said assurance could be taken that If llio Germans could not win the war in the first six months they could never succeed.' Though the submarines were now troublesome, he was sure the authorities eouM cope with the menace. Mr Forrester, responding, said tiia: pessimists wore continually, asking what was the Xavy doing. Though that branch,of the forces not heralded by' the press, he had no doubt that after the war we would hear such tales of heroism as would thrill (he whole world. .He" was pleased to notice how the Oamaru brigade hail brotigh; such honour to themselves. There were in the brigade honour:?, one Military Medal, one Distinguished Conduct Medal, a Military Cross, and one Commission, the latter being thai gained by Captain Uogcrs, who from the ranks had riten to a captain, Mr Hill, in proposing the toast of "Heroes at the Front." touched on nnr boys' victories, and said much pleasure was derived from the way they had distinguished tihemselves, Mr Shirley Baker, in responding in a short and telling speech, said all could rest assured that our boys were all of the bull-dog breed and once they got their teeth in the Germans nre sure to BO-

Mr Kent, in proposing the toast of "Nurses at the Front," said everyone cculrt tesdfy to their noble labour,

Branchman Craig, of Port Chalmers, in responding expressed regret that Captain Moir, owing to illness, was unable to attend. He, as. a returned soldier, could assure, them .none had done better than the nurses in this war, The chairman proposed the toast of the "Oamaru Fire Board," and stated that the present up-to-date state of the brigade and good plant were due to the board's work. He hoped that in ihe near future there would be better arrangements and that the horse would be dispensed with.

ilr Forrester, replying, said that the boni'd had limitations, He could assure them that the board, with the funds at their disposal' would equip the brigade as well as possible. The board wculd endeavour to replace th* horse, which was unfit for hilly work.

Mr Hereon, in proposing the toast of "Our Bands," eulogised the work of Ihe bands, without which things would be dead,

Bandmaster Fox replied that ihe regimental bandsmen considered it a duty to play. They had lost twenty-three players who were now in the firing line, and about twelve numbers who had left the district,

Pipe-Major Giliies, for the Pipe Band, also replied, and thought they couid eclipse the record of the flegimental Baud, having \ OVO| . thivty members now at the front, Opportunity was taken at this stage to present to the winners the prizes gained in the billiard tournament, the presentation being made by Superintendent James, For the A grade competitions Fireman Douglas received a ladv's umbrella donated by Mv W, Aikenhead; and Fireman Jackman was the recipient of a billiard cue, presented by Mr Kalfe for the B grade competitions, Superintendent James then naked the vicepresident of the U.F.B.A, (Deputy Superintendent Couper) to present the honours won by the.Oamaru Fire Brigade. The following were the honours conferred:—

Foreman Hinkley, a two years' silver liar, making altogether nine years' service.

Fireman Ilealy (on aetive service), a two years' sorvieo'har.

Ex-llydrantmnu Grainger, a two years' service bar, now representing a totnlNif seventeen years' service. llon-Surgem Dr Orbcll, a three years' .'ortilicate, ' ' l

Three year certificates.were also presented to the following: Mr R. Philp, on behalf of his son, Fireman Albert Philp, who lias completed nearly four years and four months' service; to Mr Hill, on behalf of Fireman S, Lee (on active service); to Mr- Rogers, on behalf of his son, Fireman Rogers (on active ser-' vice), and Fireman Douglas,

The deputy superintendent said he felt proud at the honour Captain Rogers had gained on the field of battle, The toast,of the "United Fire Brigades' Association and Southern Distr.cts" was proposed by Foreman Herron, who said that the associations were doing a good work, an dthe latter association was formed to"'enthuse'life, into Hie country, districts. . Deputy Superintendent Couper -replied. ''-.',

The "Oamaru Fire Brigade" was proposed by Mr Eadie, who said he had

heard the Oam'aru Brigade spoken hs-'aa the most efficient brigade, •■•■' •."-.' " The chairman and'the deputy; superintendent: suitably replied, '','"' ' The toast of "Visiting Firemen"was proposed by Deputy Superintendent Couper, The representatives ■-, of the Port Chalmers,. Hillside, Dunedin -Bailway, and Rnvensbourne all thanked the hosts for the hearty welcome,

Mr Robertson proposed "The Entertainers, and Mr Thomas and Mr Roxburgh replied.

"The Sports" was proposed by Foreman Herron and responded to by various, sportsmen, "The Chairman" was ako duly honoured,

A varied programme of'musical and elocutionary items was contributed by Messrs Roxburgh, Fox, McLean, Hinkley, Ross, Thomas, and E. Parker (of Port Chalmers). ' l

■The chairman, before (he conclusion, thanked all the members and visitors for iheir attendance and contribution to a memorable function.

The singing of the National Anthom terminated the proceedings,