A PROUD RECORD

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXIX, Issue 8302, 26 April 1932, Page 2

A PROUD RECORD

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS’ FIRE SERVICE

MR W. E. ROBERTS HONOURED

GOLD STAR PRESENTED

Honour was done a veteran Waihi fireman on Saturday evening, when citizens and firemen held a sociai gathering to mark the attainment of twenty-five years’ service by Superintendent W. E. Roberts and to see

him presented with the gold star to which suet a long period of fire-fight-ing entitled him. Occasion was also taken to present honours to several members of the brigade.

The function, which took plac.e in •he Miners’ Union Hall, was attended by about two hundred representative citizens and members and ex-mem-bers of brigades from many parts --f the district and also from further a'.'i ond. All voted it probably the most successful that has taken place in Waihi for many a long year. The iu 11 was beautifully decorated with y.ikau palms and greenery, while tnr tables were most a'Jractively arranged; these factors, together with the excellence of the catering, contributing in no small measure towards the pleasure of the evening

THE MAYOR’S WELCOME

The Mayor (Ur W. M. Wallnutt), who presided, wdc mod those present and said he hoped those who had come long distances to attend would enjoy their brief stay in Waihi. His Worship then read numerous messages of regret from persons unable to attend, all of which contained highly congratulatory reference to the work of Mr Roberts. Among those who apologised for inability to be present were the Mayor of Paeroa (Mr W. Marshall), Mr V. M. Sarah, of Taumarunui, president of the Auckland District United Fire Brigades’ Association, Mr A. M. Samuel. M.P. for Thames, Mr W. Skegg, Auckland member of the Waihi Fire Board, Mr Girling Butcher, Inspector of Fire Brigades, and the Rev. J. D. McFarlane, of Waihi.

Following the Loyal Toast, the Mayor of Taurauga (Mr B. C. Robbins) proposed “The Citizens of Waihi.” He complimented those responsible lor the appearance of the hall and also thanked Waihi for the excellent exhibit which it had sent to the recent Taurauga jubilee. The exhibit had won the first piize, and the prize money had promptly been handed hack to the jubilee funds. It was actions such as this that cemented the friendship between neighbouring towns, he said. Mr Robbins also commented on the attractive appearance of the town which -see ned to all intents and purposes to he a progressiva one, despite the hard times.

THE MINING INDUSTRY

Mr Wa'slmitt responded. He said the. Beautifying Society had to take a large share of the credit for the improved appearance of the town. So far as finances were concerned, he reminded them that the Government Pad made a “cut” of £1 •••'.>« a year in the gold duty, so that perhaps Waihi was not so well off ao it nvght have Ken. His AVorship referred to the mining industry and for the informa!ion of visitors stated that so far £19,500.000 had been taken out of ;lie earth. Reference to the harmonious relations that had always existed between the brigade and board was made by Deputy-Superintendent S. Shergold, who proposed the toast of 'The AVaihi Fire Board.” ,ATr Sliergold said AVaihi was one of the first centres in the district to come under a hoard and there was no doubt that it had always been well served. Response was made by the chairman of the board (Mr AV. Bllerington), who paid a tribute to the brigade and its superintendent, of whom he said it was impossible to speak too highly. He was sure the board and the brigade would continue to work together as happily in the future as they had in the past. (Applause.)

Service honours due to members of Ihe brigade were then presented by Superintendent Roberts. Framed throe-year certificates were handed to Firemen J. Pennell, A. Zenovich, H. Zenovich, E. Shergold, L. Warn and H. Shergold, while W. McDermott and E. R. Morgan, with seven years’ service apiece, ■were each given their first two-year bar to add to their five-year medal. The superintendent congratulated each man on his service and. referring to Fireman Pennell, said he was the youngest member and last year had gained the highest marks. (Applause.) All rhe men returned suitable thanks.

i THE STAR PRESENTED J Amid applause Mr A, Garrett, of ( Thames, a past president of the United Fire Brigades’ Association, ex- | superintendent of the Thames brigade, and a fireman of 36 years' experience, then rose to perform the chief function of the evening—the handing of the coveted gold star to the Waihi superintendent. He ihankcd those responsible for the function for having given him the opportunity of being present to see his old friend presented with the badge of twenty-five years’ efficient service. Such stars were presented by the association to ah who faithfully did their duty for a quarter of a century, but he could assure (hose present that the decoration was not handed round indiscriminately. Careful inquiries were made and the authorities had to be satisfied beyond any doubt that it had been earned. But any one who was so honoured co\fd be looked upon to have performed a great service not only to his town and district, but also to the Dominion as a whole. (Applause.) He advised the younger members to stick to their brigade duties so that as the yiarr rolled round they too might be honoured as Mr Roberts had been (Applause.) Superintendent Unbelts had been not only a good officer hut also a capable organiser, and the Waihi brigade was well and favourably known throughout the, length and breadth’ ol New Zealand. “On behalf of the people of Waihi I have much pleasure in congratulating you on your iopg and i meritorious service,” said Mr Garrett. : He then pinned the star on the sup- I eripteudent's breasf, amid the singing of "For He’s a Jolly Good Pol-. i low,” followed by three cheerg and ' (

the drinking of the recipient’s health.

A Maori haka of joy, led by Mr S. M. Hovell, created much amusement at this stage.

MR ROBERTS REPLIES

Prolonged applause greeted Superintendent Roberta when he replied. After expressing pleasure at seeing Mr Garrett, whom he had known for so many years and against whom he had sometimes competed, Mr Roberts said he must have been born under a incky star as he had been fortunate enough to complete his twenty-five years without .having had a single accident in the course of his duties. He had had the privilege of representing AVaihi at demonstrations in all parts of the country, and he was proud to say that at one time the brigade had been acknowledged the best in the Auckland province. Now that ho had got his star he did not want it thought that he was going to pull out of the brigade. He intended to cany on, and if he became unfit to bo superintendent ho would serve again ao a fireman. (Applause.) During his time in the brigade he had Held the position of either first or second officer for twenty years. Ho looked forward to the time when he would see some of his old comrades receiving their star. Applause.) On behalf of the members of the brigade Deputy-Superintendent Shergold then presented Mr Roberts with a set of fireside chairs as a token of recognition of his services as an officer. Mr Shergold said he hoped the superintendent would continue to be their “guiding star.”

In returning thanks Mr Roberts referred to the excellent work always done by the men and said it would he grossly unfair for Jiim tp take all the (.redit. It was fipe to he able to say that visiting inspectors invariably congratulated the men when they came to Waihi, especially as drills were carried out without, any special preparation apart from ordinary training as one never knew beforehand what the brigade was going to be asked to do.

OTHER TOASTS AND MUSIC Other toasts honoured were: “The New Zealand Fire Bridages Association,” proposed by a veteran Waihi fireman, Mr W. J. Brown, and responded to by Mr Robbins; "Visiting Firemen and Visitors,” proposed by Mr Wallnutt and responded to by Superintendent Alexander, of Thames, Superintendent Pilkington, of Te Aroha, and the Mayor of Thames; and "Ex-firemen,” proposed by Mr W. Pennell and responded lo by Mr H. T. Donaldson, now of Auckland, whose name was associated with the toast.\ In responding to the toast of “Visiting Firemen and Visitors” Superintendent Alexander mentioned tiiat six holders of stars were present at the gathering, and congratulated Mr Roberts on receiving Waihi's first. Vocal and instrumental items added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening, and in all cases encores were insisted on. Contributors were: Messrs R. J. Caundle, R. Baxter, E. Morgan, J. Giddens and W. Rowe, songs: H. Armour, D. McPherson and A. Zenovich, humorous items; E'. Dunstan, saxophone solos; Victor McCarthuy, trumpet solos. Mr F. Marriage was accompanist. The Rhythm Boys’ Orchestra was in at- i tendance.

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought the ‘ gathering ‘ to a close shortly before midnight.