PLEASANT FUNCTION

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 82, 3 April 1934, Page 3

PLEASANT FUNCTION

Firemen Entertained PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES MARKS END OF “DEMO.” Visiting firemen, to the number of about 80, from all parts of the Wellington-Hawke’s Bay area were entertained by the Waipukurau Brigade at a smoke concert in the Masonic Hall last evening, the function marking the conclusion of a successful conferences and demonstration under the auspices of the United District Fire Brigades’ Association and controlled by the local brigade.

Supt. J. A. Chambers of the Waipukurau Brigade, presided in the unavoidable absence of Dep.-Supt. W. Minett, president of the U.D.F.8.A., who had been obliged to return to Masterton. Supt. Chambers apologised also for the absence of vicepresidents Supt. C. H. Scott (Dannevirke) and Dep.-Supt. H. Collings (Taihape). The Toast List. Mr A. C. Holms was called upon to propose the toast of “Parliament, to which body, he said, the brigades of the Dominion looked for the fullest measure of practical support. He was not in agreement with the idea that brigades should have to depend on grants from art unions sources. Their function was of such importance that they might well expect an adequate defined grant from year to year. There had been a move for the centralisation of the control of fire boards, but, in view of their uniform efficiency under the direction of hard-headed insurance, local body and government members, he seriously questioned the necessity for the change, and would urge Mr Jull’s watchfulness as to the interests involved. As a past president of the P.F.B. Association, he would doubtless examine the position sympathetically.

Responding, Mr A. E. Jull, M.P., said that personally he had strong objections on principle to centralisation. He agreed that the fact that the various fire boards had been able to carry on so satisfactorily for a number of years was an excellent reason why they should be allowed to continue. It would take very strong arguments to persuade the House to allow departmental control to supersede the present system. One argument used in favour of centralisation. was the number of fires allegedly due to defective chimneys, but he contended that the question of chimney construction was a simple matter; all that was necessary was the drawing up of proper specifications, which would have to be complied with before an insurance cover was given. Fire Brigades, probably more than any other organisation, had the sympathy of Parliament and Cabinet, and he could give an assurance that the U.F.B.A. would never be overlooked in any real necessity. Fireman H. Scherf, a competition veteran, proposed the toast of the “U.D.F.8.A.” which, he said, was particularly valuable in maintaining a keen and friendly spirit among the district firemen and in conducting demonstrations, thus filling the breach due to the fact that the U.F. B.A. had in the last few years done very little for the brigades. In conclusion he expressed the appreciation of the Waipukurau Brigade of the way in which the administration of the association had been handled by the executive, specially mentioning the veteran secretary.

Senior Vice-President L. Martin (Petone) responded. “The executive has the interest of every brigade in the District at heart, and is anxious to do everything possible to assist them,” he said. The association had filled a valuable function in keeping the brigades together while the U.F.B.A. was not holding demonstrations. He fully appreciated the tribute paid to their humble efforts. Supt. G. Coster said that being newly elected to office he regarded himself as a junior in the executive service of the District, but he had a full appreciation of the excellent results that had been achieved in promoting fire-fighting efficiency. He heartily congratulated the Waipukurau Brigade on its fine part in helping the District in this connection. Supt. R. Henderson (Hastings), secretary of the Association, for the past twenty years, also responded, remarking that it was probably the last time on which he would address members as secretary. He thought

that this District Association had carried out its work better than any other association in New Zealand. It had subsidised demonstrations from its own funds, and he could safely say that it was producing the best firemen in New Zealand to-day. He did not think, however, that the fire service had received the assistance from the Government that it merited. He pointed out that the brigades protected Government property, and concluded: “If the Government stands bhind us we’ll stand behind the Government.” (Applause.)

Presentation of Trophies.

Mir dull then presented in very appropriate terms of speech the fine list of shields, cups, etc., won during the demonstration, concluding by proposing the toast of the “Prizewinners.”

Incidental to the presentation of trophies a tribute was paid by Secretary Henderson to Mr. J. McMillan, of Dan.nevi.rke, the first president of the association, who had been in office in 1911.

Supt. H. Matson (Carterton), a past president of the association, congratulated the Waipukurau brigade on the admirable way in which it had organised and carried out the demonstration. He was sure that every visitor would go away with the pleasantest recollections, and he was naturally pleased that Carterton had won the aggregate for the fourth time.

Foreman O. Silbery (Petone), Supt. Henderson (Hastings), and Supt. J. A. Chambers (Waipukurau;, a past president of the association, also spoke, Supt. Henderson remarking that Past-President Matson had no equal as a fireman in the Dominion. '

Sv pc. Chambers proposed the toast of the “Local Bodies.” To the Fire Board, he said, the brigade owed its very existence, and the board always made a grant for the demonstration. The Borough Council, a body which “got things done,” had also given assistance in many ways, providing mains in the park and, recently, having the station painted. The Chamber of Commerce was to be thanked not only for the donation of the gold medal at each demonstration, but also for the enthusiasm with which it had always taken up any move for the welfare of the brigade.

Responding on behalf of the Borough Council, the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. J. McCarthy) apologised for the. unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr. I. W. N. Mackie). He referred appreciatively to the good conduct of the visiting firemen, stating that he had noted that they had as usual behaved in an exemplary manner. It was gratifying to find that the assistance forthcoming from the Borough Council had given every satisfaction. He held the view that the brigadesmen generally were entitled to a much fuller measure of practical sympathy from Parliament. Mr. G. E. Granger, responding on behalf of the Fire Board, stressed the importance of the service, rendered to the public by the brigade, and said that the many sacrifices made by brigadesmen called for the sincere admiration of all public-spirited citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. A. C. Holms, a past president, apologised for the unavoidable absence of the president and vice-president. He referred briefly to the part of the Chamber in connection with the establishment of the local Fire Board in 1926, and to the improvements in the service which the Board had effected. The plant and equipment had been notably increased, and the quantity and quality of the hose doubled, and the Borough had enlarged the water supply. The pressure was now twice as effective. Three times the former amount was now spent on the brigade, with a consequent increase in efficiency, but the ratepayers paid only a small proportion extra, viz., £4O, bringing its total to an average of £l5O per annum, of £330 in all.

Supt. Matson proposed the toast of the “Officials,” Fireman F. Dow (Eastbourne) endorsing his remarks. Messrs G. Tappin (starter), A. Gibson and H. B. Smart (time-keepers) responded.

Foreman A. S. Anannd, immediate past president of the association, proposed the toast of “Visitors and Entertainers,” Messrs J. Boyce, L. Wood and T. Fox responding. Mr. Fox mentioned incidentally that he was an honorary member of three brigades, Spit, Napier and Carterton.

The toast of the "Press” was proposed by Secretary W. Chappel. Responding, Mr. A. C. Holms (editor)

said that so far as the local newspaper was concerned the liberal space it had devoted to fire-fighting objectives had been made possible only by the sympathy of the proprietor. He also paid a tribute to Secretary Cbappel for the latter’s willingness to assist at all times. An entertaining programme was contributed by the Waipukurau Orchestra under Mr. E. Malkin, and Messrs. J. Boyce, T. Fox, F. V. Ward, H. Clapperton and Foreman A. S. Anannd, Mr. L. Wood conducting community singing. Past-President H. E. Braggins (Masterton) took advantage of the occasion of responding to the toast of prizewinners to compliment the local brigade on having so successfully controlled a second demonstration and said the visitors would look forward to an early future gathering in Waipukurau. (Applause.) He stressed the desirability of annual fixtures as valuable training grounds and said that the younger members should be encouraged to take part by the entry of additional teams. He paid a tribute to the success of Carterton, also to the sporting spirit displayed by the unsuccessful competitors.

At this stage the Petone leader, Fireman Martin, took his departure, being accorded a very popular demonstration of goodwill. District Secretary Supt. Henderson completed the toast list by proposing the sentiment of “The Chairman,” paying a warm tribute to the part played by Supt. Chambers, Secretary Chappel and other officers in promoting the success achieved. The many visiting fireman had been handsomely catered for in every direction. Hearty cheers followed. Supt. Chambers briefly responded, saying that the brigade had been happy to do its best to help forward the cause of fire-fighting efficiency. With the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” the memorable reunion terminated. The trophies were as follow:—

Camel Cup and Chamber of Commerce gold medal (one man championship): Past-President. H. Matson. Hastings Citizens’ Cup (two men hose and standpipe): Petone A.

War Memorial Shield (three men disabled hose): Carterton A. McMillan Shield (five men hose and hydrant): Carterton A.

Jenkins Shield (four men motor): Petone A.

Greathead Shield (five men motor): Petone A.