TIMARU FIREMAN HONOURED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 5

TIMARU FIREMAN HONOURED

Twenty-five Years’ Service Gold Star Awarded Opportunity was taken at a smoke serial held at the Timaru Fire Brigade Station on Thursday night to present a 25 years’ service gold star to Fireman A. Hook, who has served for the whole of that period with the local Brigade. Superintendent E. W. McCann occupied the chair, and the visitors included Captain T. J. Watts, secretary of the United Fire Brigades’ Association, Superintendent H. Stokes (New Brighton), Superintendent Herron, Foreman T. Nightingale, Fireman H. Cartwright (Oamaru), Superintendent C. C. Knight (president of the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades' Association), Deputy-Superintendent D. Brett (Geraldine), Superintendent J. Allfrey, Foreman Wallace, Secretary Dwan (Temuka), Messrs Wm. C. Raymond (chairman), R. Eames (Timaru Fire Board) and Dr D. H. Moir. In extending a welcome to those present the chairman remarked that it was very pleasing to see such a large number of visitors from other brigades, and the presence of ex-firemen showed that they had not lost interest lit their old brigade. Before calling on Captain T. J. Watts to present the United Fire Brigades’ Association gold service star to Fireman A. Hook, Superintendent McCann paid a warm tribute to his services as a member of the Timaru Brigade for the past 25 years. Superintendent McCann remarked that the fireman whose heart was in his work, who was proud of the uniform he wore, and who considered it an honour to be even the humblest member in the fire service, required no urging always to be ready and willing. If he were i.ot actuated by such ideas he wouid not be in the service, as a fireman was always on duty, was prepared to answer any call day or night, and he was ready to face any difficulty which might lie before him. A fireman who had sedulously devoted himself to the necessary study and labour and who had made any fair success might well be proud of his profession. In making the presentation Captain T. J. Watts, secretary of the United Fire Brigades’ Association of New Zealand, expressed his congratulations to Fireman Hook in winning the coveted decoration. He trusted that he would add numerous gold bars, in recognition of further service, to the star. Fireman Hook suitably acknowledged the tributes to his services. Other Holders Other gold star holders present were Superintendent Herron and Foreman T. Nightingale (Oamaru), Captain T. J. Watts, and Ex-Fireman T. Jensen and W. Williams (Timaru). A toast in their honour, proposed by Ex-Fireman J. Norrie was drunk with enthusiasm. Foreman Nightingale replying on behalf of the visitors and Ex-Fireman Jensen for the local recipients. The toast list was as follows.—“ The King”; "The Timaru Fire Board," proposed by Ex-Fireman C. G. Baker-and acknowledged by Mr Wm. C. Raymond < chairman); “The Timaru Fire Brigade,” proposed by Ex-Fireman J. Reid and acknowledged by Deputy-Superin-tendent D. J. Burtenshaw; “The United Fire Brigades’ Association of Nei» Zealand” proposed by Ex-Fireman J. Norrie and acknowledged by Captain T. J. Watts, secretary of the Association; “Ex-members of the Timaru Fire Brigade,” proposed by Auxiliary Foreman S. Watt and responded to by Ex-fireman W. Roberts, J. Norrie and W. Williams; and “The Visitors,” proposed by Foreman J. Murray and acknowledged by Superintendents C. C. Knight (Geraldine), J. Allfrey (Temuka) and Herron (Oamaru). An enjoyable musical programme was provided by Messrs J. Denley (guitar solo), J. Morgan (pianoforte solo), J. Connors (banjo solo), L. Andrews (piano-accordeon solos) and C. Lyons (songs). Mr J. Morgan acted as accompanist. “Mr E” entertained with a conjuring display.