TIMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11664, 24 January 1902, Page 4

TIMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

The Timaru Volunteer Fire Brigade held a competition yesterday afternoon, in front of tlie Fire Brigade station, George street-. The various competitions wer# •well entered for, and the time and work were considered in most- cases very good. ' In the evening a smoke concert was held in the station, to present the prizes, and also to make one or two other presentations. The catering was in the hands of Mr G. Hilton, and he provided an excellent- spread. There was a full attendance of the Brigade, Captain Campbell presiding, and among the guests were His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. N. Macintosh), Dr Thomas (hon. surgeon), Mr JSiicie (Kuripimi Brigade), Mr J. Hole, and Mr E. H. Lough (Town Clerk). Apologies were received from Messrs J. Dcre and J. J. Grandi.

The first toast, " The King," was loyally hononred, with a verse oi the National Anthem; and the chairman briefly welcomed the visitors.

Captain Campbell proposed '"The Borough Council," thanking them for the support they had given to the Brigade, having carried out the requests made by the Brigade. The Brigade had been very backward in their equipments, but this had now been removed by the favourable treatment of the Council. They had 500 feet of new hose, and ladders were provided at places in the main streets, which would be a very great help to the Brigade. A new bell had been hung up in the schoolground, which was one of the principal things for a quick alarm and turn-out. One more thing was now being" carried out, providing for the accommodation of two men at the station, and when that was done it would mean a saving of four or five minutes in reaching a fire, a very important consideration in mastering a fire. Mr E. H. Lough, in replying, referred to the efficiency of the Brigade in highly complimentary terms —the town and Council were proud of them. He gave a shortsketch of the progress of the Brigade, from the old days of the buckets, to the present water-pressure system. He was sure that the Brigade would always receive good treatment- from the Council.

Captain Campbell then, on behalf of the Kuripuni Brigade, presented Sub-superin-tendent J. O'Leary with a medal forwarded from the Kuripuni Superintendent. The captain referred with appreciation to his Mfctings with the North Island Brigade. He tten handed the medal to His Worship to present to Mr O'Leary. His Worship, in a very eulogistic speech, referred to Mr O'Leary's efficiency in different bimciies of sport, and hoped to see him a metibei of the Timaru Brigade. The healiJi of 3lr O'Leary 'was then drunk, ■with thwe cheers for the Kuripuni Brigade.

Mr Xicie, of tr* Kuripuni Brigade, spake to the toast, with appreciation of his services to the Brigade Mr O'Leary replied_.fr., the various speakers for their kincf,2. e f erences (© him. He was very pleased t», receive his five years medal from his one of the most efficient for its jjj the colony. Captain Campbell said that t\ nesi was a most pleasant one, pre . ssntation of a gold chain and pet«„ nt to Fireman Quirk, who had seen meri^ ollS stjrvice for fifteen years in the He (the captain) could not say too mKi, of Fireman Quirk's services during l.\ nc&ml'ership. Mr Hole, ex-Mayor, handed tie memento t» Mr Quirk, with a' few suitable remarks.

Es-Captain Jones added a. fcw complimentarv remarks. He had altays found Mr Quirk well up in his dutis", and a thoroughly good fireman. Mr Quirk briefly replied, tha ting the Brigade for their handsome preset. He had always found it a pleasure work under their officers, and were first-class men to associate with. Is work had prevented him taking the active

part in the work that- lie would have liked to do.

Referring to competitions lield that day,

the chairman said that it was impossible to properly work the Brigade unless small local competitions were held, to give the men a show who could not attend the distant demonstrations. The local competitions smarten the men up, and especially bring the younger men forward. The competition had been very successful, one of the best, in fact, that he had ever seen. There was not a single man who " burst up" any event, and he congratulated the competitors on the excellence of the work done. When a man could lie, down in the station, undressed, jump up on alarm, dress, run outsdie, and go through the competition in less than a minute he was no slow man. The officers of the Brigade, who were all old and efficient members elected for their merit, did not compete, but- had been engaged coaching the young members, and were very proud of the performances. The trophies been presented by some friends of the Brigade, which showed that there were some who had kindly feelings towards them. He hoped that the competitors would continue their efforts to improve, and if possible qualify for a place in the next demonstration team. (Applause.) Ex-Captain Jones, who acted as judge at the competition, said that there were three events run off, and the aggregate time taken. He was very pleased indeed with the work done—every run was clean, and one competitor in particular would get a place in any team in the colony. The first prize was won by T. Cullen, time 3min 15 5-ssec for the three events; 2nd, F. Shewan, 3min 16see; 3rd, Shields, 3min 16 2-ssec; Thomson, 3min 19 2-ssec : Morgan. 3min 21 2-ssec; A. J ones, omin 22sec; and Ogden. 3mm 24 2-ssec, also competed. The times showed very little difference between all the competitors. The Mavor proposed "The Successful Competitors," and short replies were nmde. Secretary G. Hilton proposed the health of the ex-Mayor, Mr J. Hole, and Mr Hole suitablv responded. A number of other toasts were proposed, and with songs and recitations a very enjoyable evening was spent.