THE WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4235, 16 October 1874, Page 2

THE WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA. Last night was another great night at the Opera. It was a special night, arranged by the Wellington Central Volunteer Fire Brigade, for the benefit of their sick and accident fund, and was under the patronage of the following ladies :—Mrs. Justice Johnston, Mrs, Richardson, Mrs. W. W. Johnston, Mrs. Vogel, Mrs. Pearce, Mrs. Alex. Johnston, and Mrs. Krull. The opera selected was “ Martha,’' and there was a house crowded to the doors, the young ladies present being greatly in excess of the number who are usually present even on special occasions, for the Fire Brigade are a popular body, as their freely-rendered services to the community entitle them to be. Some interesting business, however, preceded the opera. When the curtain rose the Brigade, in full uniform, were discovered drawn up in good order upon the stage, with the apparatus they use—hose, reel, &c. —the engine alone being absent. They presented a very fine sight, being an excellent body of men, fit for any emergency. Miss May having been led forward by Mr. Allen to the centre of the group, and received -with very hearty applause, then with proper emphasis, and with a taste and grace peculiarly her own, read the following prologue, which was written for the company some years ago, and was first spoken by Mrs. Charles Poole, now one of the leading members of the profession in Loudon, on a similar occasion in 1867 : The Night is hush'd, all joyous and serene. No care or sorrow interrupts the scene ; The grave or careless, those who joy or weep, AU rest contented on the arm of Sleep ! The youthful mother, with her darling child. Clasped in her arms, with heavenly smile ! Bright are her Dreams—yes, bright as Heaven’s own blue, Pure as its joys, and gentle as its dew : They lead her. forth along the moonlit tide ; Her heart’s own partner wandering by her side. ’Tis Summer's eve ! the soft gales scarcely rouse The low voiced ripple and the rustling boughs ; And faint and far some molting Minstrel’s tone Breathes to her heart a music like her own. When, lo ! a change comes o’er her dream : The face of Nature’s altered on the scene ; The Lightning’s flash, the Thunder’s roar. In fright she wakes, and springs on to the floor ; Horror! oh, horror! the change so dire Announced the truth, the house is aU on fire ! The boards beneath her feet—one burning piece, The stairs on fire, —no hope then of release : She seeks the casement, shuddering at its height. She turns again—the fierce flames mock her flight. Along the crackling stairs they wildly play. And roar exulting as they seize their prey ! She sinks exhausted on the burning floor. Dropping her babe amidst the flaming roar: When all hope’s fled, comes then with timely aid. Some daring member of the Fire Brigade ! Enough to know a life’s in peril—that ins own He risks to save that one, to him unknown ; Tho’ scorch’d his limbs, part paralysed his frame, He brings the mother safely through the flame ; She soon revives, and then in accents wild Shrieks frantically—Save I oh, save my child ! Again, through the burning pile he rushed, Into deep silence the gaping crowd is hushed : For that brave man, who once more puts his life In jeopardy, many a prayer is rife. Anon, they see him hurrying with the child Amidst the burning pile ; the mother almost wild : Hot smoke obscures, ten thousand cinders rise. Yet still he staggers forward with his prize; A minute longer, and he’s in the street And drops with the child, down at the mother’s feet. Such men as heroes should be known, Who save another’s life at peril of their owm. At such a sight, Hope smiles more heavenly bright: Pale pensive Pity trembles with delight; And s.ft-eyed Mercy, stooping from above, Drops a bright tear—a tear of joy and love.

Wo (hank you for this kindness shown Proves Wellington maintains her own ; For public good—or misery’s claim Creed, country, color, to her are all the same. But one word more I'll say, and mean it too, Be true to the FmE IIiiIOADK, and they'll be true to you I

When the applause with which the prologue was received had subsided, a large and handsome banner was brought on to the stage. It is one of the kind that may be carried in procession, suspended between two flag-poles. It is of blue satin, splendidly trimmed with scarlet satin, edged with gold. In the centre was painted in gold and silver illuminated letters the inscription “ Wellington Central Fire Brigade”—“Presented by Miss Alice May." It is an extremely handsome present, and the incription the work of a local artist whose

modesty ■will not allow his name to be given. In making the presentation Miss Mat spoke as follows: —“ Ladies and Gentlemen, —It is scarcely necessary for me to call attention to the Fire Brigade as a body. Every one knows their bravery —every one in this theatre to-night must feel how much they have owed to them in times of peril. Upon my departure from among you, my kind friends and patrons, I desire to present to these brave men a little memento of my regard, in the shape of a banner; and when seas roll between us, and years of time have passed away, I trust that Alice May may be remembered as kindly by them and you, as you will be remembered by Alice May. (Great applause.) Captain Lewis Moss, on behalf of the brigade, accepted the present of the banner, and in a few apposite and happy remarks acknowledged the compliment had paid to the volunteer firemen of the city. The curtain then dropped, to rise again as toon as the stage was cleared for the performance of the opera of

MARTHA; OR RICHMOND PAIR. The company threw themselves very heartily into the performance, which went with great idat. The great fair scene was particularly amusing. Miss May sang “ The Last Hose of Summer,” and afterwards “ Robin Adair,” in her most charming manner, and was greatly applauded. As we have already noticed the production of “ Martha,” it is not necessary to do more now than to say that every member of the company, the orchestra included, deserved the applause which they received. MB. HALLAM’S BENEFIT. Mr. Hallam takes a benefit this evening, when ” The Bose of Castile” will be performed. The opportunity of seeing this fine opera for the last time, and of paying a deserved compliment to Mr. Hallam, should not be lost.