OUR FIRE FIGHTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17131, 18 June 1927, Page 8

OUR FIRE FIGHTERS.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT UNIT. TESTIMONY TO WORK. FIREMEN’S SERVICE RECOGNISED. “ One or two. perhaps four, provincial Are brigades in the Dominion are up to metropolitan standard, and the Hamilton brigade is one of them.” This unsolicited statement was made by Inspector Hugo (Dominion Are brigade inspector) to Mr J. McKinnon (chairman of the Hamilton Fire Board), when the former visited Hamilton on the last occasion, remarked Mr McKinnon at the Are brigade reunion held last night. The speaker said he attached great significance to those words, coming as they did from an experienced Are Aghter who never bestowed praise unless it was fully merited.

Mr McKinnon made some sincere comment last night on the very high standard of efficiency attained by the Hamilton Brigade, in a measure due to the splendid co-operation which existed among those who comprised the unit. Other speakers paid testimony to the services rendered by the Hamilton llrc-Aghters, whose efficiency gave townspeople a sense of security in the event of an outbreak of Arc. Suitable recognition of those members of the brigade who did One service in safeguarding lives and property in Hamilton w-as made by the presentation of medals and service bars awarded to those who had distinguished themselves in efficiency or earned awards for long service.

Two years’ service bars were presented to Superintendent A. Craig, who completed 19 years’ continuous service as a Are-lighter; Fireman Davis, 19 years’ continuous service; DeputySuperintendent Irvine, 17 years’ continuous service; Foreman T. Davis, 9 years’ service; Fireman L. Davis, 9 years’ service, Fireman D. Mathcson, 7 years’ service. Fireman Pent was awarded the five years’ service medal, while two years’ service bars will be forwarded to lion. Chaplain Archdeacon E. M. Cowic and lion, surgeon Dr. F. D. Pinfold, who have completed 17 and seven years’ continuous service respectively. Firemen Buckingham, Scarle, Elders, Hume and McGuire each received certitlcates to mark their first three years’ service.

The Dickie Memorial Cup (two men event annual competition) was won by Foreman S. Davis and Motorman L. Russell, who both received medals in addition, while 11. Scarle was awarded the cup and medal for the annual oneman competition event.

It was announced that Mr 11. 11. Bowden had generously donated a gold medal for brigade competition.