FIRE FIGHTERS’ GALA.

Wairarapa Age, 13 March 1922, Page 4

FIRE FIGHTERS’ GALA.

DARKTOWN ’ TO THE The feathered residents of Masterton Park had their rest disturbed on Saturday evening by the weird noiees produced from previously-unknown instruments in the hands of a gaud-ily-bedecked band of players. The occasion was a gala arranged by the Fire Brigade authorities as a means of raising funds to cover the brigade’s expenses to the United Fire Brigades’ Demonstration at Dannevirke. A procession from the town was headed by the Municipal Band and attended by a number of dressed individuals and a large gath-’ ering of the public. On arrival at the Park, the “orchestra” took command, and the listeners were treated to some most wonderful selections. A group of Maoris contributed a medley—Tongan, Maori, and English —and a clever parody, on ‘Tipperary.” Mr W. Iggulden gained cheers for his singing of “Boys of the Old Brigade, ’ and “Farmer” Daysh was applauded for a patriotic recitation. Mr Budd also sang very capably. The spectacular event of the evening was an exhibition by the “Darktown” Fire Brigade of how fires should be put out. A canvas-coveroo building had been erected on the observation tower, and thi s having become lighted an opportunity was given the-men from “Darktown” to practically illustrate modern methods. These appeared to include a whole dictionary of orders and coun-ter-orders, pages of advice (pertinent and otherwise), a tremendous amount of energy in unravelling the hose, and a most reckles s disregard for danger. However, the fire was put out A —and that was what the famous brigade set out to do. Whethei- its tactics will be followed at the big demonstration is another story. At intervals, the Municipal Band played lively music, and thi s tempted several couples to tread a measure on the green. Tile takings totalled about -2.1 R.