Smoke Concert at the Fire Brigade Hall.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 7326, 29 January 1891, Page 2

Smoke Concert at the Fire Brigade Hall.

After the formal proceedings had concluded, champion Kruae was entertained at a smoLc concert, presided ovor by Captain Ferry. Amongst others present were Messis F. A. Krull, J. Tawso, A. Hatriek, J. Duigau, J. Anderson, W. Alexander, F. M. Spurdlc, Majors Purnell, and Watt, Captains Borlaso and Willis, Lieutenants Foster, Hughes, and Keill, besides many others, including Sergeant Parslow.Gunner Webster, (runnorup to Private Kruso for tho Belt), also tho wholo of tho Auckland toum (winners of the teams matoh), besides othor visiting volunteers, and a large number of the loc.il garrison. Aft or the usual patriotic toast " Tho Queen," proposed by Secretary T. D. Cummins, had been duly honourod, followed " The Army and Navy " coupled with the names of Major Watt and Captains Willis and Borlase, who responded, also Lieutenant Russell, on behalf of the Wavy.

Tho toast of tho ovening/'OurC'hampion," was entrusted to Mr F. A. Krull, who felt proud of tho honour, also to own the Champion as a, countryman of his. He referred to Private KriiVs success in no measured torniß and was of opinion that Wangamii should be proud of him. Tho toast wa3 drunk with musical honours amidst great enthusiasm. Tho Champion iv returning thanks was received with hearty cheering. Ho said ho was completely surprised at the hearty reception accorded him, and all he could say was that he won the bolt fairly and honestly against good shots, ospccially Bombardier Webster, to whom he would bo perfectly satisfied to hold second position. In conclusion, ho 6aid ho w ould never forget the reception accorded him as long as he lived. The other toaata included " The Champion Team," (coupled with the names of Sergeant Paralow and Bombardier Webster), proposed by Major Wat, aud received with ringing oheers their health being drunk in bumpers. Sergeant Par3low and Bombardier Webster responded, and wore glad they had succeeded in winning the Teams Matoh, as their epptsiu looked upon it as almost equal to tho Championship. Mr James Duigan then pioposed the healths of tho ox-cham-pions, and in doing so referred to Iho fact that Wanganui had the honour of producing seven champions, four of whom wore present, viz , Major Purnell, Sergeant Eemiugton, Private Kruso, and Mr T. D. Cummins, all of these suitably responding. Mr Duigan also pointed out that it was an unusual thing to see so many champions present at ono gathering. Sergeant Parslow (Auckland) proposed " The Wangauui Team," responded to by Lieutenant llughes ; and Mr &. 0. Russoll, that of "Tho Host of tho Evening," coupled with tho name of Captain Ferry, who responded. Dm ing the evoningson^s were interspersed with the toasts, which greatly enhanced the enjoyment of tho gathering, the following gontlomon contributing : — Sergeant Parslow and Gunner Taylor (Auckland), Bondsman Newall (Taianaki), Drum-Major Mooecman; Firemen Seeling, G. Spriggens, J, Q,iunn, Carroll, A. Gray, J. Armstrong; also Mr J, Pawson. Tho proceedings throughout wcio of a thoroughly convivial and enthusiastic natme, and 100 much praise cannot be bestowed on tho promoters, who at a vory short notico did their level best to do honour to a couiiade aud at tho same time onteitain somo of tho boat roprcbcntativo shots in the colony. The gathering separated after heartily joining in singing "Auld Lang Sjno."