SOCIAL EVENING.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1924, Page 5

SOCIAL EVENING.

GATHERING OF FIREMEN. SERVICE MEDAL PRESENTED. The annual social of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade was held in tne Central Fire Station last night and in conjunction with this function the presentation of the United Fire Brigades’ Association’s gold star for 25 years’ service was made to Fireman S. Roberts. An excellent dinner was provided and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Those members of the Fire Board who were present were: Messrs F. E. Wilson (chairman of the board), K. Archer, J. Lobb, D. Le C. Morgan, and L. M. Monteith (secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr. V. C. Weston.

After an excellent dinner had been partaken of. a toast list was honoured. Following the loyal toast, “The New Plymouth Fire Board” was proposed by Superintendent A. Boon, who referred to -the manner in which the board had assisted the brigade, both in providing up-to-date appliances and socially. Mr. Wilson, in responding, said that it was the desire of the board to reduce the number of fires to a minimum, and by supplying the brigade with up-to-date fire fighting aoYdiances, that aim would he attained. He considered that the sinking of the well in Brougham Street was the most important of the works which had been done., Mr. Wilson then presented the brigade with a framed photograph of the brigade and members of the Fire Board. The toast of “Fireman S. Roberts” was proposed by Mr. Wilson, who referred to the loyal and friendly spirit which animated the members of the brigade. After congratulating Fireman Roberts on his long service, Mr. Wilson pinned the gold .star for 25 years’ service on Fireman Roberts’ breast.

Superintendent Boon presented Fireman Roberts with a dinner set as a mark of esteem on the part of hie fellow members.

Other toasts honoured were:—“Absent Members” (Mr. J. Johnson). “The United Fire Brigades’ Association” (ex-Superin-tendent F. Carrington). “Gold Star Members” (Mr. D. Le C. Morgan) ,*“The Press” (Mr. K. Archer), and “The Ladies” (Ml J. Andrews).

Musical items were contributed by Messrs N. H. Papakakura. R. Murphy, K. Ward. H. Moon. F. P. Fredric, J. Andrews, F. Baird and A. Howlett.