NELSON FIRE BRIGADE.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 2 (Supplement)

NELSON FIRE BRIGADE.

(From "The Colonist," Sept. 21st.) The fifty-second . annual meeting of the Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the station last night Captain Woodward presiding over a full attendance of members. ... After the usual monthly business had been dealt with, Captain Woodward referred to the good work done by, the brigade during the past year at the different fires' that had occurred. He spoke of the good discipline that had prevailed, and gave the young members a few words of advice, coupled with the hope that the good name which the brigade had earned might be fully maintained in the future. He also expressed his deep regret that he could not see his way to continue permanently any longer in command of the brigade. He felt that he had reached an age, when he should Tetire from active service.

The captain's announcement was re* oeived "with general Tegret.- . .It was mentioned_ thai.lie had been a member of ; the brigade for 32 years, paying joined it in December, 71886. ' He Mi risen from the rank of foreman to the position of captain, which he had held for eleven years. He had previously served under four captains, namely, Captains Lightfoot, Bird, King , and Wimsett He had been captain for a longer period than any previous occupant of the position, and he had earned the respect of all the members. Lieutenant Dee spoke in feeling; terms of .Captain Woodward's- good qualities, and on behalf of the brigade asked him to reconsider his decision. When it was found that this request could not be acceded to Lieutenant Dee asked that Captain Woodward would at any rate retain the captaincy tfll the end of the year, to enable the brigade to arrange to fill the position. This Captain Woodward consented to do. Treasurer E. J. Hounsell also intimated thai lie wished to resign liis position as treasurer, having completed over 25 years of office, and been a member for 32 years, having joined the brigade in August, 1886. Members made appreciative reference to Treasurer Hounsell's faithful and valuable services, which had helped so ma.terip.Hv. to enable the" brigade to jm&ke the best use of its finances. Mr Hounseil also consented to remain in office till the'end of the year. AM the other officers were re-elected 'to their respective -positions for the en ;suing year, as under:—Lieutenant A : Dee; foreman No. 1 reel, H. Stewart • ! foreman No. 2 reel, Joseph Nesbitt! i foreman hook and ladder, TV. Wood- | ward; secretary, E. E. Boves: lion, sur;geon, Dr. Bett. !_ Beferonce was made to the fact that 14 members of the brigade had already gone on active service. Two had laid : down their lives, and three had returned. Ib was hoped that before the next annual meeting all those now away m the Empire's cause would be welcomed home. A social gathering was then held, and those present included a number-of life honorary members of tho- brigade. Mr ;±.-.Jjiley. one of the oldest members, whojs over 80 years of age, gave during the evening some enjoyable selections on handbells. Various toasts, which were interspersed with sbr^s, were honoured.