INVERCARGILL FIRE BRIGADE.

Southern Cross, Volume 13, Issue 20, 12 August 1905, Page 7

INVERCARGILL FIRE BRIGADE.

The third social, held in Ashley’s Hall on Thursday, 3rd inst., proved tbe most successful of the season, 150 being present. Euchre was played till 10 p.m., when dancing was indulged in for half*an-hour, tea being served on the arrival of His Worship the Mayor (Mr Scandrefci) from (he Couneis meeting. After tea Superintendent Miller announced that His Worship the Mayor had kindly consented to present the prizes to the successful players, also two gold medals and silver service bars to the firemen. For euchre : Mrs Harlow, first prize, a handsome fruit dish on silver pedestal; Miss Stewart, second prize, a silver-mounted majolica ware biscuit jar. Mr Logan won the first prize for gentlemen, with Lieut. Young second. The Mayor then presented Branchmen Gio. Ashley and Fireman Wm. Philpot with a gold medal for baby rescue at last competitions, the donors of the medals being Cr. McDonald and ex-Capt. J. H. Stewart respectively. The following firemen were presented with silver service bars ; Supt. R. Miller, Lieuts. Hamilton and Young and Fireman Wells. Secretary Haikness was presented with a gold service bar, he having nearly 24 years continuous service to his credit. The Mayor said he now bad a most gratifying and pleasing ceremony to perform in the presentation of a handsome timepiece and barometer to Supt. Robert Miller from the officers and members of the fire brigade. It showed the best of good feeling and respect to Heir superior officer, and was well deserved, as Supt. Miller had proved to be a very capable officer.H The brigade generally had the entire confidence of the community, while their immunity from serious fires lately proved that the brigade acted up to their motto of ‘ Always ready.* Supt. Miller replied on behalf of the men who received their medals and bars, saying that the fact of ex-Capt. Stewart generously presenting a gold medal for the baby rescue showed their performance to be good and the trophy deserved. His own presentation took him by surprise. Ht had no idea of any such intention on their part, and though the old saying ran that it is more pleasant to give than to receive, he assured them that no matter how pleased they were to present him with this token of their esteem, it was far greater to receive in this instance. Dancing was continued till two a.m., when the company dispersed, all saying every successive social was belter than the last.