FIRE BRIGADE.

Colonist, Volume XIX, Issue 2200, 20 October 1877, Page 5 (Supplement)

FIRE BRIGADE.

The Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade hold their annual festival on the September 27th, at Trafalgar | Hotel, when about forty sat down to dinner. His Worship the Mayor was in the chair, with tho Biahop of Nelson and Captain Lightfoot on his right, and Dr Kesteven, tho newly elected medical officer of the corps, and Mr H. E. Curtis on his left—the Vice-Chairman being Mr J. R. Dodson. After justice had been done to a dinner provided in Mr Disher's usual excellent style, His Woeship gave the toasts of " The Queen" ; " The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of tho Royal Family," referring to the anticipated Australian tour of His Royal Highness, and expressing a hope that Nelson will be honored with a visit; and "His Excellency the Governor." .In proposing " Tho Army, Navy, and Volunteers," the Chairman named several Nelson men who had distinguished themselves. Major Heaphy, formerly on the Survey staff here, having won the Victoria Cross, Sergeant Maling, a native of Nelson, and formerly a Provincial Surveyor, had gained the Now Zealand Cross; Lieutenant Paynter had brought once more here the Champion prizo for rifle shooting, and the Naval Brigade had displayed energy and humanity in the late Queen Bee calamity. Song by Mr Etching—" Red, White, and Blue." Lieutenant Hodgson, while claiming for the Volunteers a. loyal spirit that would brave every danger if needed, referred to the movement more as it educates in time of peace. Thoso in Nelson who remembered the slouching gait and uncouth gestures of the first company, would recognise the effect of drill in the soldierly bearing of the present Volunteers. Discipline formed the habit of obedience to lawful authority, the use of arms was learnt, and men were brought together in the good fellowship of comrades. As one who had been born in Nelson, he (Mr Hodgson) had been in a position to mark every step in volunteering, and its admirable influence. Mr Henry Wimsett sang " Lottie Lane." The Vice-Chairman briefly proposed "The Bishop of Nelson and the Clergy of the Diocese," aud said the uuiversal respect entertained for them rendered any lengthy remarks in their praise needless. Song by Mr George Batchelor—" Come, dwell with me." His Lordship said he admired the spirit in which the work of the Brigade was undertaken and the bravery and skill displayed in carrying it out. The trying question, " Who is my neighbor ?■" received a practical answer from them on every occasion of fire. Whoever was in danger, either as to life or property, was acknowledged to be the "neighbor," and the golden rule was instantly put in practice. This was no institution established by central authority, it had grown amongst'us, it had not been thrust upon us, and therefore it should be oherished as something wherein each could feel a certain individual pride. Further he felt there was a certain harmony and relation between the duties of the. Brigade and those of tho clergy—they had to put out the fires of intemperance, of violence, of wrong-doing in every form. In a sense the Brigade wero their brothers in striving to do good, and as fellow-laborers he rejoiced to have the expression of their hearty good will. Mr Leech sang " The Unfortunate Man." The Vice-Chairman gave, "The Mayor and City Council," and while giving full credit for the excellent services performed, noticed impending difficulties as to the Gas and Water Works, which might have been avoided and light obtained at a cheaper rate, had it not been for the action of one member of the Council, who prevented the manufacture of gas being undertaken by a private company. Song by Mr Truman—"The Queen and the Navy.";. ■■■■■■■ The Mator related what bed been done by the Counoil while he had been a member, describing particularly the improvements effected in the Water Works, and the means whereby the occasional deficiency in the supply of gas had been'conquered. He also pointed out the pressing need of efficient drainage, _ and suggested the propriety of engaging Bome' , one of known skill to take the levels, to decide oh the best place of outfall, and prepare plans that could be carried out in sections and ultimately form a complete system-. Mr T. Wimsett sang " The Turn of the Tide." HisWoRSHIP Baid "The Fireßrigade" was without doubt the toast of the evening.. He dwelt on the energy/activity, and self-Bacrifice ofthe members and declared his opinion to be that no part of the Colony could excel, even if any could equal them. Mr Gooksey sang " The Englishman." Captain Lighteoot. expressod the pleasure he felt In being associated with a body of men always ready for any'work,1 however dangerous, and,never failing to show kindly feeling to each other, with a readiness to give prompt obedience to the directions of their officers; He was proud to be at their head, and did not .believe it: possible to obtain.any where more diligence and efficiency. Long, as they: had been associated, the monthly practices were never neglected, so that each recruit was soon taught bis duties; They had gradually become possessed of a I good plant; and when to their present appliances there, was added about; £100 worth of hose on its way frpm Homo, their equipment.would be complete. They were compelled to send to England for the class, of hose:necessary' to st-hd the high pressure. , Their stock was worth £1000 to £1200, and it had been their objeot so to distribute it that no part of the city could be long without operations beginning

1 when a fire broke out. A station was contemplated either in Toi^toi'or Washington Valley, and was only delayed till members joined froin' one of those places, so that propetl care could be taken. ~','■. j Mr SMALLBONB.ih'!the absence of Lieuteantßiril, gave "The Insurance Companies," whioh were ribw contributing handsomely to the funda. They some time'since promised £100, provided an equal sum I was contributed by the citizens, and to the exertions of Messrs Darby and'Parmenter they were indebted for the conditions being complied with. The subsidy was available, and there could be no doubt would be continued. Mr Darby sang " A thousand a year." Mr Curtis expressed a high opinion of the Brigade, and was glad that the publio generally proved their agreement with him by the liberality of their subscriptions. He had hoped and believed that ere now the amalgamation with tho Port Brigade would have been accomplished. Whatever was the obstacle, he trusted it would soon be removed. Ho expressed the entire approval of the Brigade entertained by the Insurance Companies. Captain Lightfoot gave the next toast —" Mr William Thomson,"—who had been eleven yearß an enthusiastic member, and had only left in consequence of a severe family bereavement, which compelled him to remain at homo. The Brigade could not part with their worthy member without marking by a small gift, to which each had subscribed, the estimation wherein he was held. He had great pleasure in presenting Mr Thomson with a gold Albert chain and ocket, the latter bearing a suitable inscription. , Mr Thomson expressed the pleasure he felt at this evidenoe of his services being.appreciated by the Brigade. He never belonged to any other society, and he never' desired to meet a heartier set of associates. He had spent many happy hours among them, and would not have retired had not his family required his sole attention. He would treasure the gift as an heir-loom, and value it not in proportion to its cost, but as giving tangible proof that fab past exertions were remembered and appreciated. " Ring the bell, watchman," was sung by Mr Edwards. Mr H. Wimsott proposed " The Invited Guests," and referred to the services rendered to the Brigade by Mr Darby. ..-..;•■' Mr Dabby; thanked the Brigade, and expressed a hope that other volunteers would be found to collect subscriptions. Song by Mr Hall. ' Mr George Hodgson proposed "The Town and Trade of Nelson." He denied the extreme depression some people talked about, and described trade as generally sound, if not so brisk as might be wished. " Sleepy Hollow" could rouse itself when activity was wanted, and the Queen Bee Wreck proved the possession not only of that quality, but of a generous freedom in relieving all who aro in distress. Mi LiTTi/B replied, and added his testimony to the existence of grounds for believing that Nelson had no rrason to fear the future. Mr Cooksey gave ''The Press," dwelling on the paramount importance of its freedom, and Mr Shephard responded. Dr Kksteven proposed " The Ladies," speaking chiefly from a medical point of view, and Mr Hitching replied as the youngest man present., A number of toasts wore afterwards proposed and responded to, tho proceedings being closed with " Auld Lang Syne," Bhortly before one.