PRESENTATION TO SUPERINTENDENT ROBERTSON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9382, 23 March 1892, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO SUPERINTENDENT ROBERTSON.

Superintendent Robertson, who has for over 25 years been connected with the Dunedin Fire

Brigade, was yesterday the recipient of a hand-

some gold star, in commemoration of his service in the fire brigade. The presentation was made by his Worship the Mayor (Mr C. E. Chapman), on behalf of the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand, and took place at the Fire.. Brigade Station yesterday afternoon. The members of the brigade were assembled for the purpose of witnessing the presentation, and there were also present Messrs Brindley ani Mallard, representing the Fire Underwriters' Association, Mr Jacobs (the captain of the Salvage Corps), Mr Job Wain, and Captain Mitchell (of the Port Chalmers Brigade), and seyeral other gentlemen. The Mayor said he had been requested to make the presentation. The medal had been granted to Superintendent Robertson at the last annual meeting of the United Fire Brigades' Association held at Napier. The star, on one side, bore the ; inscription: " Presented to Robert Robertson, ; Dunedin City Fire Brigade, 1892;" and on the other: U. 8.8.A. on the bar, and in the centre of the star, "25 years' service." He did not know that he could make any remarks considering the present position of matters in connection with the brigade, but in making the presentation he would express the wish that Mr Robertson would enjoy it and would have long life and prosperity. Superintendent Robertson, in replying, said he was not one who couM readily express himself, but he thanked hii Worship for the trouble he had taken in making the presentation, and he also thanked the gentlemen present for their attendance. He had been many years connected with the brigade, but he could not say much under the circumstances, and so would simply thank them.

Mi- Brindley, in response to a request by the mayor, said he had learned with very great regret that the brigade was to be disbanded. It was always a matter for regret that there should be differences of opinion on these questions, but, on behalf of the insurance companies, he must thank Inspector Robertson and the brigade for their valuable services in the past. It was true the insurance companies were only indirectly interested in fire brigades, for the companies rated the premiums in accordance with the risk; yet, nevertheless, as citizens interested in the welfare of the city, they naturally liked to see a good and well - conducted brigade. Hitherto they had always found the Dunedin Brigade well conducted and efficient, and he felt that they were indebted to Superintendent Robertson for many acts of kindness, and for the good feeling lie had always displayed. They heartily thanked Superintendent Robertson for what he had done, and wished him success in the future, and he might add that he was glad to find that the United Fire Brigade Association had made Superintendent Robertson such a handsome present. Superintendent Mitchell, of the Port Chalmers Brigade, said that when the telegram announcing that the Dunedin Brigade was to be disbanded was received by the conference in Christchurch it caused very great regret, especially as Superintendent Robertson was one of the oldost firemen in New Zealand. Superintendent Robertson and Superintendent Harris, of Christchurch, had been, he might remark, the originators of the UmtedFire Brigades' Association, which now numbered 53 brigades and 1500 men. It must be gratifying to Superintendent Robertson to know that in leaving the service he had the goodwill of those 1500 men. Mr F. Mallard endorsed fully what had been said by Mr Brindley, but would say nothing further beyond remarking that Superintendent Robertson's long experience in the city and his intimate knowledge of every block in it must have been of very great advantage to him in the discharge of his duties, and that a man with less experience and knowledge would be very seriously handicapped. As an old disciplinarian, he would mention that Lord Wolseley, after the affair in Bgypt, had said, " There shall be no court-martials; none of us are infallible." That was the opinion of many of the most talented and experienced men in the army and navy, and if anyone claimed infallibility his veracity might safely be questioned. This was all he desired to say, and he said it m all sincerity, that anyone who knew anything of Superintendent Robertson must admit that he had done good service to the city. Mr Jacobs, the Captain of the Salvage Corps, said that he had always worked amicably with Superintendent Robertson and knew him to be efficient. He had known Superintendent Robertson for over 30 years, and had worked in conjunction with him for the last four years. . Mr Job Wain, as one who had been associated with fire brigade matters was glad to hear the remarks that had been made respecting Superintendent Robertson. When he saw the announcement that the brigade was to be disbanded he was really afraid that his old friend had done something wrong, but he would say that he had always found him very painstaking and efficient, and it was to be remembered that he was not a. man who had jumped into the position, but he had gained it as the result of long experience, lhere was no use anyone having command of men in a nre brigade unless he had full charge of them—he must be their " boss," and his word must be their law. He was confidentSiiperintendent Robertson would not send a man where he would not go himself, so none need fear his orders, and he had thought that if it were possible Superintendent Robertson had been sometimes in this respect perhaps a little too careful, though probably it was impossible to be too careful when the lives of men were concerned. He was gladto hear the opinions that had been expressed, and said lie thought they would not, having regard to Inspector Robertson's long experience, get anyone to fill his place very well, and he believed that had Superintendent Robertson been a little more severe he would have been in a better position to-day. . , Foreman Wheeler, said that Superintendent Robertson had been straightforward and upright in his dealings with the men, and said that the report that the men were disunited was altogether untrue. The men now present (20) were willing to work under Superintendent Robertson if allowed. Foreman Sai.mond endorsed the remarks made by Foreman 'Wheeler. The proceedings then terminated with a vote of thanks to the mayor.