ENGINEDRIVRRS' AND FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7661, 11 June 1886, Page 5

ENGINEDRIVRRS' AND FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

The annual dinner and ball of the Enginedrivers' and Firemen'* Association and Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was held in the Choral Hall last night. An excellent spread was provided by Mr. T. McEwen, fully 200 sitting down to partake of all the delicacies, of the season provided. Mr. J. Whitburn occupied the chair, supported on his right by Mr, J. Coom, Resident Engineer, and on his left by Mr. Elliott, head of the Locomotive Department, while the vice-chair was filled by Mr. R. Robinson. After doing fall justice to the good things the toasting began. " Her Majesty the Queen" was proposed by the chairman ; "His Excellency the Governor," by the vice-chair-man ; "The House of Representatives," coupled with the Legislative Council," by Mr. R. Maxwell, Mr, Elliott replying in suitable terms ; "The Heads of the Departments, "by Mr. Whitburn, responded to by Mr. Coom, who said it gave him great pleasure in occupying the position he did that night. He was glad to see so many of the railway employes together, and hoped that it was only one of many gatherings to follow, which would tend to bring unity among them. " The Enginedrivere, Firemen's Association Amalgamated Railway Society " was next given by Mr. R. Robinson, being responded to by Mr. Farnell. This was followed by "Kindred Societies," by Mr, Grant, which was responded to by Mr. Elliott. The toast of " The Press," by Mr. Whitburn, was responded to by Mr. Farnall. "The Ladies" and "Mine Host" were proposed and responded to by Messrs. Waite and T. McEwen respectively in suitable terms. The hall being cleared, the ladies were introduced, when dancing began, the music beiiig supplied by Messrs. Reid and Morris' string band. Fully 170 couples took part, and kept it up with much spirit to the "wee sma' hours " of the morning.