THE FIRE BRIGADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15273, 25 June 1923, Page 6

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

. OPERATIONS OF PAST YEAR. / ' • ,'HIGH STANDARD ATTAINED. At the annual meeting of members of the Hamilton Fire Brigade a report was submitted by the secretary (Mr G. Morris), of the operations 'of the brigade. The secretary referred to the appointment of Superintendent Craig, of Wanganui, where he was superintendent of the brigade, and who has had / fifteen years' service with brigades in various parts of the Dominion. Superintendent; Archer, who was 'n charge of the brigade for three years, retired. No serious flres had occurred in Hamilton during the past twelve months, but the efficiency of the brigade has been fully maintained. On the resignation of Superintendent Aroher the Brigade tendered him a social, and presented him, in conjunction with the Fire Board, with an oak writing deafc., and a most enjoyable evening: was spent. Since then Mr Archer has been transferred t.o Dunedin, and he carries with him the sincere good wishes of every member of the brigade. At the same social the brigade welcomed their new Superintendent. Alarm System.—During the year a new alarm system has been installed, thus enormously increasing the efficiency of the brigade, and ensuring greater speed in dealing with outNew" Deputy Superintendent.—On She occasion of Deputy A. Skinner \etiring from his office the brigade presented him with a case of pipes to mark their appreciation of the services he had rendered. Superintendent Craig recommended the promotion oi Foreman Irvine to Deputy Superintendent. It is a matter of gratification to the brigade that one of its members , was enabled to fill this important position, and all. the members wish Mr Irvine every success in his new duties, "The Loughlin Cup."—This event was keenly.contested, Foreman Davis being first, Fireman G, Davis second, and. Fireman Morris third. For the same event Mr R. ,H. -Wood kindly donated a gold medal for second place. Ex-Superintendent Enersen also offered a special prize for the most improved junior, fireman during the rear. The name of the winner of this jrize will be announced at the annua) dinner. United Association's Demonstration. . —Owing to lack of funds the brigade were unable to send a team to Dunedin at the United Fire Brigades' Association's bi-annual demonstration. This, is a matter of regret, as it'is absolutely necessary that the brigade should come In touch with the various fire brigades of the Dominion. Interest is stimulated, emulation aroused, and greater efficiency gained i>y these unions. It is to be hoped that the brigade will strenuously endeavour to keep in touch with the main current of the fire brigade work. Hamilton is too important to be isolated. Social Functions. —The brigade is Indebted to the Druids' Lodge for running a dance on' our behalf, by ' which the funds benefited to the extent of £7, also to Mr Hampton, who assisted us with a dance from which the brigade gained financial help. Presentation. —Mrs S. Davis, senior, presented the brigade with a portrait group of her late husband, and sons, who have been or are members of the fire brigade. In this group are five sons who have served in the brigade, and It is with great pleasure that the brigade accepted Mrs Davis' gift. It is an honourable record of which Mrs Davis and ths brigade alike have reason to b«s proud. Funds-—The finances of the brigade • are &i a low ebb. "I cannot forbear remarking," the secretary's "report says, "on the little outside report that , the brigade receives. It is surely no exaggeration to say that no public body fulfils a more important func- ; tion in this town. The citizens arc perhaps apt to forget that this is a ' volunteer brigade, that its members give their tints and energy at all seasons voluntarily, and it is not too much to expect that the necessary finance should be forthcoming. .Perhaps it is only necessary to mention : the omission for it to be rectified." Conclusion.—ln conclusion let me state I shall not be standing again for election as secretary. I take this opportunity therefore of expressing once for all my recognition of kindly feeling ■that has always been displayed towards me by the members. lam sure we have at any rate one common bonfl of union; the prosperity and success :; of the Hamilton Fire Brigade. The >-town owes us something for work -■cheerfully and loyally performed, and /the work itself has taught us something, viz., that discipline, efficiency, and energy are potent factors in the : , conduct of life. ■ Honours. Herewith we have '-.pleasure in. presenting a list of honours ',. earned during the past year:— Z Five Years' Medal.—Fireman A. ;:: Matheson, Fireman T. Davis, ex-Fire- " man D. Matheson, Driver Tuckcy. Two Years' Bar.—Superintlndent Craig and Foreman S. Davis, completing 15 years' service; cx-Superin-tendent Archer, 19 eyars' service; Fire- - man Castles, 15 years' service. , Three Years' Service.—Fireman LDavis, Dr. Phlfold. Ex-Superintendent Archer and ExDeputy Superintendent Skinner have both been made life honorary members of the brigade. Brigade.—The present strength of the brigade is 24 members all told. During the year 10 members have resigned, while five have joined up We have had 27 practises, 10 meetings, and attended 32 fires, making the total number of musters 69. The annual dinner of the brigade will be held at the station on Thursday evening.