The Fire Brigade.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8365, 28 February 1896, Page 2

The Fire Brigade.

PRESENTATION TO OEEICEPS.

The entertainment at the Academy of Music last evening was well attended by membeisof the Eire Brigade, and the opportunity was taken advantage of to present ex-Superintendent West, who has lately resigned the post' held by him for sixteen years, with some token in recognition of his services. Both the Borough Council and the Superintendent's late comrades had determined to show their appreciation of the services rendered by him, and His Worship the Mayor was deputed to hand the gentleman referred to a handsome watch oir behalf of the Council and a chain and pendant on behalf of the Eire Brigade members.

The firemen were drawn up in line upon tlie stage, with the ex-Superin-tendent in their midst, and he being called forward His Worship addressed him as follows Superintendent West: It gives me the greatest pleasure to perform the duty I am now called upon to do on behalf of the Borough Council—that is in handing you this watch as a token of the esteem in which you are held by the members of that body. 'As Superintendent of the Eire Brigade your services were given without fee or reward, and I .am sure at many times with great inconvenience to yourself, I hope that you will live long to wear the watch, and that it will go down to your children as an heirloom, and to them it will be a sign of the respect in which their father was held by his fellow citizens. In conclusion I have much pleasure in handing you the watch on behalf of the Thames Borough Council. (Applause.)- ; His Worship then spoke on behalf of the Brigade as followsl have also to present you with this beautiful chain and pendant,, which comes from your late comrades as a token of their respect, and which says in effect more than anything I can say in support of your services. You were a member of the body for 16 years, and now having resigned office I am sure it must be most gratifying to you to see the love and respect which those that have been under you during that period feel towards you."

E.v-Su peri nteiid en West suitably replied, saying that in his official capacity he had always endeavoured to carry out his duty to the best of his ability. He had found, those under liini ever had the greatest desire to do their work well, and he could say with pride that during his term of office a cross word had not passed between them. He would value the gifts he had received, and he heartily thanked His Worship and the Brigade for the kindly feelings which had prompted the act.. (Loud applause,) His Worship then presented service medals and certificates to members of the Brigade entitled to the distinction, and in doing so he said he felt proud, and he was sure the Thames citizens generally did, at the efficiency of they Brigade. He spoke of the factjof fires in a block of wooden buildings bein" confined to the locality of orgination as an instance of the excellence of the member s work. The members receiv* ing the presentations were Fireman Kennerley, live years' service medal; Firemen Kenny and Addison and Capt, Waterman, two years' service bar;. Firemen Meelian, Kerr and Bond, three years' service certificates. That concluded the ceremony.