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Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1783, 19 September 1874, Page 2

We are informed that the Shorfcland Volunteer Fire Brigade have elected Martin H. Payne, Esq., to bo honorary surgeon to the brigade: The membsra of the • brigade haye also established a reading room at the engine abed, one corner of ■which ia to be made as comfortable bs circumstances will allow, for the convenience of the firemen. This institution of reading rooms for firemen is general in the cities of this colony and Australia ; ii is aa advantage to the men, and by attracting them to the engine house renders their services more available in cuee of need. The proprietors of the Thames Advertiser and the proprietors of the Starhave promised to supply the reading room with afrenpapcr each: other donations will probably follow.

A "WELXi attended meeting was licl 1 nfc tho Ifil Desperandum Hotel la3t evening—Mr. Wm. Kowe in the chair—to consider a Jjropoeal to entertain Mr. J. Sheohan, M.H.B. fct, a banquet for his services in the Assembly in iv securing the passage of the Auckland Waste Lands A cfc i hrough tho house. A large committee was appointed to carry oub the arrangements, find it was as decided that the banquet should take place at the Academy of Music on Tuesday evening next. Tho banquet is not intcaded to have any political bearing, but meroly purpots to bo out of compliment t« Mr. Sheehan for hi.* exertions in connection with tie Act referred to. The originators of the banquet aro gentleman interested in promoting a special settlement in tho upper country, and they consider the Waste Lands Act juat passed will forward their views on this matter. There is every paobability at the banquet being well attended.