FIREMEN’S WEEK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 56, 8 March 1939, Page 6

FIREMEN’S WEEK

BIG PROCESSION LAST NIGHT demonstration begins to-day The highlight of Firemen’s Week in Wanganui, a grand procession and display on Cook’s Gardens, in conjunction with the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band, the Wanganui Garrison Band, and the Wanganui Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, took place last night. It was attended by a crowd estimated at 6500. The United Fire Brigades’ Demonstrations begin on Cook’s Gardens to-day, aijd will continue until Saturday. A start is to be made at 9 o'clock this morning. A Glorious Night Fine, warm weather provided a glorious night for Wanganui people to see the procession and display on Cook’s Gardens. Headed by the Wanganui Garrison Band and four firefighting engines of the city’s permanent brigade, the visiting firemen marched from the Town Bridge to Cook’s Gardens. Before moving off the visitors cheered the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band and wished it well at the contest at Christchurch, which opens this week. On arrival at Cook’s Gardens the parade of firemen marched behind the bands to the oval and were subsequently dismissed. A smartly timed programme of athletic and cycling events was promoted by the Wanganui Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, the public being kept posted by loudspeaker, the announcer being Mr. Ivan Brown. Included in the list of events were two for firemen, who had to run in ordinary shoes 100 yards and championship relay of 50 yards each. Highland Band's Display The outstanding spectacle of the evening was the drum-major’s display given by the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band on the eve of its departure for the contest. Under Drum-Major W. Budge, the band performed the evolutions with a precision which was distinctly encouraging.

To conclude the night's programm a bonfire of old radios was lit, ai

alarm sounded and the “Dark Town Fire Brigade of Wanganui," resplendent in red uniforms and blue helmets, and armed with a man-powered reel and hose, came forth to do battle with the flames. A main was found, a hose connected and the water turned on, but the hose leaked at every inch. Valiantly the boys tried to stem the flow of water, while the fire burned merrily on. At last, when the cricket pitch was thoroughly soaked with water, that had leaked away instead of reaching the fire, one of the chief fighters slid from main to fire along the hard-surfaced ground. Officials on the green were spattered with water, but the fire burned itself out. Over the fence, in a dark corner of the ground, the real brigade, aware of lhe dry conditions surrounding the oval, counted the truant sparks lest they cause mischief. It was the end of a perfect night when the fire burned itself out, and the “Dark Town Boys” gathered round a suspicious keg to tell of battles lost and won. To-day’s Activities At 9 a.m.: Demonstration begins at Cook’s Gardens and continues throughout the day; 2.15 p.m., social afternoon tendered to visiting ladies by the Wanganui Townswomen’s Guild at the Savage Club Hall, Drew’s Avenue. To-Morrow At 9.30 a.m.: River trip to Hipango Park; evening, dance, Carlton Hall. Friday Demonstration resumed; evening, late shopping night. Saturday At. 9 a.m.: Demonstration continued; 2 , .m.. grand finals of all competitions; 7.30 p.m., free-and-easy with the boys, and presentation of prizes. Visiting firemen and their ladies are to be the guests of the various bowling, tennis, and croquet clubs.