Fire Brigades’ Competition.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1732, 11 September 1885, Page 2

Fire Brigades’ Competition.

The Wairarapa Fire Brigades’ Competition, at Carterton, on Wednesday, evoked considerable interest on the part of the general public. The visiting Brigades from Masterton and Greytown, arrived at Carterton at about 1 p.m., but owing to some difference of opinion as to the method of paying out the hose there was a delay of an hour, the Mastenon men wishing to work upon a system that the other brigades had not practised. However, the differences were reconciled by the Masterton team agreeing to work by the old method, and the proceedings commenced at about 2.30 p.m., the weather being bitterly cold during the whole of the proceedings. The first part of the programme was, the Team Competitition, comprising the routine of duty required to be done by the members of the brigade on the occasion of a fire, viz., running out the hose, fixing and adjusting joints, branch, &0., namely, eight men to run fifty yards to engine, attach two lengths section, two lengths delivery hose and branch, reaching a distance of about 160 feet from engine. The best two out of throe runs. Mr A. L. Webster was appointed time-keeper to the Greytown team, Mr G. M. Gardener for the Cartciton team, Mr Muir (late captain) for the Masterton Brigade, and Mr Seed, referee- The Brigades mustered in full force, the Greytown, under Captain Buillio, with Mr James Maguire, foreman, the Carlerton, under Captain Smith, and the Masterton men under Captain Keester. The members of the several brigades appeared determined to do their best to obtain the honors of the occasion, and the competition was exceedingly keen.

The Masterton team were the first to go through the work and occupied 55 seconds in the operation,including some 4 seconds, added for unfinished work in screwing joints, &c. Greytown next competed, and did their work in 3(1 seconds, being just one second behiad their Mastertou opponents. Carterton then ran up to the engine and run out the hose, fixed joints, gave beats with the pumps, Ac., the same routine as the previous companies, and in this work they occupied 41 2-sth secs, being 0 sees behind* Masterton, and 0 seconds behind Greytown ; thus Masterton won the first event, the anangement being that those who made the best two out of three practices should, be the victor*, the second trial next commenced. This time Greytown came first, finishing in 33 and three-fifths of a second ; Masterton second with 34 seconds ; Carterton third 35 and four-fifths of a second. This run of Carterton’s was the cleanest hitherto made, but as they were a second behind Masterton they were of course out of the competition. The Mastertou and Greytown teams then joined issue for the final event, Masterton performing their task in 30 seconds, and Greytown in 32 and two-fifths of a second. Masterton thus winning the match, which all must admit was closely contested. All the Brigades came out of the contest with considerable credit.

The two men competition was the next event, tvro entries from each Brigade, one length delivery, 100 feet, one suction hose rose, and branch to be also fixed, fifty yards run to the engine. Messrs Jenkins and Catt being represontivcs for Carterton, and finishing in 51 and one fifth of a second. Quin and Franks then represented Greytown, and did the work in 52 and twofifths of a second, Mastorton next with Hounslow and Hancock taking 60 seconds. Gamblin and Bowers for Greytown, went through the business the second time and occupied 52 and three-fifths of a second ; Carterton with Catt and Tyler doing it iu 63 secs, Masterton with Ewington and Hounslow then finished in the rem.nkaWy short time of 38 and one fifth of a second, and this being by far the shin lest time in the match; they wore consequently the wimmis In the evening the thten te me m I. in the Carterton engine slmi wimp' a good -uhstantial spread was provided by Mr E !>n-.keridge, of the Marquis of Murmaidy Hotel. The company then spent a vmy convivial hoar together and some good songs were r< t. dared by the firemen of the several Pains,

A soiree was held later on iu the Town Hall, at which about 40couplrs attended and dancing was kept up till an early hour in the morning. Mrs Beauchamp (piano), and Mr Luudqvist (violin), supplying the music. The Town Hall was handsomely decorated with Hags and evergreens, and altogether the event proved enjoyable both to the brigadesmen and their lady aid gentlemen hands. Should such a contest take place again ii is hoped that the same good feeling aud hearty good fellowship will prevail.