MOSGIEL FIRE BRIGADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26198, 8 July 1946, Page 9

MOSGIEL FIRE BRIGADE

FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY A large number of visiting and local firemen and representatives of bodies connected wfih fire brigades was present in Mosgiel over the week-end when the fortieth anniversary of the local brigade was held. For the occasion the brigade station and social hall had ben repainted and specially decorated with greenery, streamers, and coloured electric lights—a bright setting for the banquet held on Saturday evening. An appropriate toast list was honoured and greetings were offered from those who were entrusted with the toasts and from the representatives of visiting brigades and local bodies present. A long list of congratulatory messages was read by the chairman. Among these were representatives of the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board. Mr M. Connelly, M.L.C., and Superintendent F. C. Laidlaw, the Mayor of Mosgiel, Mr W. P. Hartstonge, and Cr J. F. McCartney, the Mayor of Alexan-' dra Mr J. R McKellar, Mr E. Young, of Dannevirke, a former member of the brigade, and Mr L. O. Wallis, of Gore, president of the Southern Districts Association.

The district officer of the brigade, Mr Jqhn White, extended a welcome *>to the visi.ors, and reviewed the history of the brigade from its formation on July 9, 1906. He congratulated Fireman Mitchell, the only original member, who was at present on the roll. He had rendered constant and faithful service to his brigade, the borough, and residents of Mosgiel for 40 years. Mr A. F. Cheyne had given a gold medal in 1908 to the member having the best attendances during a period of two years, and Fireman Mi.chell had won this. The first local competitions had been in 1908, and at a later date the Borough Council had presented a shield to be held by the fireman gaining the highest aggregate points. This-had been won at various times by J. White, W Scott, A. Cameron, H. Smith, J. Wishart. and at present was held by Foreman H. Smith. Teams had ben sent to several competitions held by the New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Association, which the brigade joined in March, 1908. The new fire station was opened on January 22, 1936

The chairman detailed the service and attendance figures of the present members and ex-fireman W. W. Turnbull as follows:—J. Mitchell 40 years, J. Smeaton 38, J. Aitken 37, T. Irving 35, J. White 33 H Smith 244, 11. Irving 21, J. Wishart 18, R Campbell 17. J. Craigie 12, J. Wright 11, S. Waldie 11, F. Chiles 5, B. A. Wood 5, G Revell 4, A. Thomson 1 year 9 months, ex-fireman W W. Turnbull 36 years. Six members had received their gold stars. During the war period the brigade took an active part in training members of the emergency fire service and they proved themselves a willing and competent body of men. The brigade also assisted in collecting funds in aid of the patriotic appeals, including the presentations to the returned servicemen. In conclusion, the chairman returned ‘thanks to the borough council and staff, to the Metropolitan Board, especially its executive officer (Superintendent F. C. Laidlaw), and to prominent local residents who had been staunch supporters of the brigade during its 40 years of existence. At an interval before supper presentations were made to Fireman Mitchell in recognition of his long period of service as a fireman in the borough by the mayor and Mr White.

Interspersed amongst the toasts were items by a local orchestra and local and visiting artists. The celebrations were concluded with a church narade yesterday ANNUAL MEETING

At the annual meeting of the Mosgiel Fire Brigade the district officer (Mr John White) occupied the chair. The report covered the activities of the brigade for the past year, and 13 fire calls had been answered. The membership roll stood at 16, Firemen J. Wright and F. Chiles having resumed their duties after service in the armed forces. Thirty-three musters of the brigade had been held. Fireman Wishart was congratulated on being elected president, and Fireman Mitchell treasurer, of the executive of the Southern District Association. At the local competitions between brigade members. Foreman Smith won the championship shield, with Fireman A.' Thomson runner-up and Junior Foreman Irving third.

The following office-bearers were reelected:—Superintendent, Mr J. White; deputy superintendent, Mr J. Smeaton; senior foreman, Mr H. V Smith; junior foreman, Mr H Irving; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Irving: branchman, Mr T. Irving: motormen, Messrs J Wright and S. Wald'e: auditors. Messrs J Mitchell and T Smeaton.

Service honours gained during the year included:—Superintendent J. White, 2-year gold bar (33 years); Deputy Superintendent J. Smeaton 2-vear gold bar (37 years); Fireman J. Mitchell. 2-year gold bar (39 years); Fireman J. Aitken, 2-year gold bar (37 years); Fireman T. Irving, 2-year gold bar (35 years); Junior Foreman H. Irvi@g 2-year silver bar (21 years), Motorman Campbell, 2-year silver bar (17 years); Fireman J. Wright, three 2-year silver bars 'll vears): Fireman S. Waldie 2-year silver bar (11 years); and S. Walde F. Choles. 5-year silver medal.