ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 665, 27 August 1864, Page 18

ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Monday being the second anniversary oftbe formition of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, it was determined by the members of the Brigade to celebrate it in a becoming manner. Early in the day a number of the tfrigade, along with other workmen, were engaerei in decorating the Eagine-house, in Princes street, and in the afternoon it assumed quite a gay appearance, being covered with flag", evergreens, and devices formed of implements belonging to the Brigade ; and in the evening the front of the building was illuminated by a very tasteful device, lit with gas. About seven o'clock the Brigarte mustered in full force at the Engine-house, and, according to previous arrangement, a torch-light procession was set on foot. The engines, hook-and-1 adder carriage and hose-reels, were turned out gaily decorated with banners and evergreens, and horses having been harnessed to them, the numbers of the Brigade formed iv order at their respective stations, with lit torches, and, proceeded by the fife and drum band of the Naval Brigade, tin procession started amidst the cheers of several hundreds of persons who ha 1 assembled to see the unusual sight. In this order the procossion marched from the Engine-house down Princes street south to the Lnparial Hotel, up Hope street, post the scene of the late fire in Stafford and Hopa Ftr-et, down Stafford street, Manse street and High street to Osgood's Empire Hotel, where a loud cheer was given for the proprietor. Starting once more they perambulated Princes street, George street, Albany street, ani King street to the Exhibition Building ; then up Hanover street and home by the same route. Altogether the effect of the procession was picturesque and pleasing, and wan carried out without tv« slightest hitch or acciJent.

The engines having been returned to the station, the members of the | Brigade and a few friends, numbering in all about fifty, assembled in the old Town Board Room, over the Engioe-houee, where a dinner was spread under the direction of Mr Grey, of Rattray street. The interior of the room was decorated in a very handsome manner with banners, ferns, and many curious and elegant devices.

The chair was occupied by Captain Hobb3, "upported by Messrs Bastings, Osgood, and Mitchell; and Lisatenant JRobinson acted as vice-chairman. The dinner having been disposed of, Captain Hobb3 proposed the usual loyal toasts, which were all responded to. Mr Osqood proposed the toast of " The Executive and Provincial Councils," which he asked the company to drink as if they meant it; and it was drank with honors.

After a song by Lieutenant Robinson, Mr Jefferson, Secretary of the Brigade, proposed " The Town Board," and in doing so remarked that the Board deserved the best thanks of the Brigade, for they had always taken a deep interest in its welfare, and had done them a good turn whenever they had an opportunity. Ab aa instance of this he might mention that they were at that moment sitting in a comfortable room which had been granted to them by the Board, and at the present time the Board were fighting on their behalf with the Government in order to obtain for them a suitable building, not only for their apparatun, but in which they might hold their business and social meetings. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with all the honors, Mr Spiobr sang a song. Mr Bastings replied on behalf of the Town Board. It was seldom that he found business in such a position as the present, and he really was at a loss bow to reply to the toaat Generally, when the Town Board was mentioned, he was immediately on the defensive, for he knew he was going to be abused ; but here they had been treated in quite a different manner, and toasted as being "jolly good fellows,'' and represented as being all they ought to be. He trusted that whatever the shortcomings of the Town Board to have in such a large and important [city might be, they would be excused; for they had not the powers which they ought as Dunedin has now grown. The present powers of Government vested in the Town Board were all very well for the village, such as Dunedin was several years ago, but they were quite inadequate at present. He trusted that before many years went over their heads the Board would have powers vested in them such as they did not at present possess. With regard to the Voiunteer Fire Brigade, he assured them that it was the desire of the Board to give them every iacility in their power for the carrying on of their duties, and should the Board be fortunate enough to gain the point for which they were now contending with the Government, they intended to remove the building in which they were at present sitting, to a proper site, and place it at the disposal of the Brigade. — (Loud applause.) Mr G. Knight then sang a new song written by himself for the occasion, entitled " The Volunteer Fire Brigade." It is needless to say that it was received with loud demonstrations of deluht. Mr Bastihss proposed the toast "The Volunteers of Otago," and spoke n very favorable terms of the progress which the various local Volunteer Companies jfere making. The toast* was drunk with all honors. Foreman HUGHE9 recited " The Fireman." A number of other toasts were proposed, including " Brother Firemen," which was responded to by Mr Mitchell, " The Ladies,' " The Press," &c, and the company broke up towards mid-night, after spending a very pleasant and social evening. The whole proceedings were marked by great order, courtesy, and a display of that good feeling one towards another which comradeship in danger always Inspires.