THE FIRE BRIGADE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIX, Issue 3104, 29 June 1929, Page 5

THE FIRE BRIGADE

CITIZENS’ ANNUAL COMPLIMENT. PRESENTATION OF HONOURS. Tho citizens’ compliment to the Fire Brigade in the form of the annua] longnight dance was held in the Town Hallon Thursday evening, when there was a very good attendance, despite .the wretched weather conditions. The function was a most successful and cn-joyablo-one, and reflected credit on tho organisers. For a number of years now it has been the practice to tender the Brigade an annual function to augment their social funds and as an encouragement and appreciation of the services that the members render the Borough during the year. It shows that their efforts are appreciated by the good attendance that left their friendly and comfortable hearths on such a stormy night. The dance floor was ih capital order, and with good music, supplied by Mr. Banficld’s orchestra, the dance went along with a swing, and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. In the supper-room was; an energetic band of ladies,'who did yeoman service in preparing a great variety of tempting comestibles that were done full justice to. The .citizens are indebted to these ladies for their services, readily given; also to Mrs. M. Wells, who was responsible for the nicely-arranged decorations, the supper tables presenting a ve*y dainty appearance. The dance floor was also very capably controlled by Fireman F. H. Green and Mr. Alf. Gane. Dancing was kept up till the small hours- of the morning. Among those present were representatives of the Hamilton, Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia and Matamata Brigades, with their wives and lady friends. Presentations. After supper, the Mayor (Mr. G. H. Priestley) presented several honours to firemen, and in -doing so referred again to the fine standard of efficiency that the Brigade had now reached, and of the- continued interest and enthusiasm of the members. The Brigade was a very fine insurance for the Borough, and it. was encouraging that their efforts were always worthily recognised by the residents. The following honours were then presented,’the Mayor heartily congratulating each recipient in turn: —Ex-Fire-man Mackay, five years” service medal; Fireman E. Byrne, three years’ service certificate; Fireman F. H., Green, three years’ certificate; Captain H.:-Vause, two years’ service bar, making a total of 15 years’ service; Lieutenant F. Thomason, two years’ service bar, making a total of 13 years’ service; Fireman Geo. Drew-, two years’ service bar, making a total of 15 years’ service. • Pine Service Record. The combined services of the six senior mombers of the brigade totals 92 years, and citizens will recognise that this is a fine record and one that the Brigade is justly proud of. Howden Shield. Placed in a conspicuous place on the stage; the handsome and massive Howden Shield was viewed with interest. Won by members of the local Brigade in contest with 12 other brigades at Te Awamtitu on March 31st last, the members of the winning team were: Foreman W. Harris, janr., Secretary K. Reeve, and Firemen White and Carter. This team has also been successful in winning a number of trophies. The team are also runnersmp for the HillMaloney Shield, won by 6torohanga, and the next annual competition for these trophies will be held at Cambridge. ~ ' At the conclusion of the Mayor’s remarks the Brigade, also tho ladies’ committee, were accorded hearty acclamation.

TR'e Secretary thanked the Mayor for his compliments, and also the citizens .for their support again this year. Secretary Reeve also paid a fine tribute to the ladies’ committee.