MORRINSVILLE BRIGADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17222, 4 October 1927, Page 10

MORRINSVILLE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL SOCIAL. SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The Morrinsville Volunteer Fire Brigade held its annual social on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, firemen being present from Te Aroha, Matamata, Onclumga, Hamilton, Cambridge; also members or the Morrinsville Borough Council, a large number of business men of the town and district. Councillor Chapman, in the absence of the Mayor and deputyMayor, who were unavoidably absent, ably presided. Refreshments were provided on a liberal scale, and with the Municipal Band and Jazz Band to assist in the evening’s entertainment and each member of the Fire Brigade acting the part of host in the most hospitable manner, everyone spent a most enjoyable evening. Proceeding's opened with an overture by the Municipal Band. The chairman briefly expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large and representative gathering, and on behalf of the Morrinsville Fire Brigade, extended a hearty welcome to all and hoped they would have an enjoyable evening.

Vause, of Cambridge, proposed the toast of “ The United Fire Brigade Association,” and gave an interesting account of the work done by the association during the year and the new and improved arrangements that were being a introduced for competitions and general training and the working of Are brigades. Superintendent Gilbert and Treasurer Osborne replied. Superintendent Gilbert pointed out that the losses by fire in New Zealand were greater than in any other country in tire world, and all business people should support the fire brigades in order to -try and prevent this great loss. * Superintendent Grigg proposed the toast of “ The Morrinsville Borough Council.” He remarked that the late council had always treated the fire brigade liberally. Next year or the year after they were going to ask for a new fire staLion. He particularly mentioned the borough engineer, Mr Branch, who had always assisted the brigade by seeing that the supply of water at fires and practices was firstclass.

The secretary, Mr F. Firman, then read the annual report and balancesheet. The report stated that during the year the brigade had been called out on three occasions, only one of the fires being of a serious nature. The socials had proved successful financially and otherwise. The different cups and trophies had been keenly competed for. The brigade consisted of 30 men and the attendance at practices Had been remarkably good. The members of the brigade had been fully equipped with undress uniforms. In conclusion the brigade thanked the Borough Council for grants, all those who made donations and assisted in making their socials a success. The No. 1 balance-sheet general, billiards, and medal accounts showed .a balance of £lB Is to credit, and the No. 2, giving particulars of receipts from Borough Council, salvage dues and working expenses, showed a credit balance of 9s 2d.

Councillor Chapman returned thanks for the old Borough Council. Councillors Maurice, Donald, Reason, and the engineer (Mr Branch), also replied. The chairman proposed the toast of “ The Business People and Bankers.” They had always been a great support to the fire brigade. Messrs Gummer and Bowles, on behalf of the business men, and .Mr Wyatt, of the Bank of New Zealand, responded. Mr 'Cummer, the late Mayor, said that the fire brigade members deserved all the support the business people could give them, as theirs was not altogether a pleasant job and their efforts might save the loss of much valuable property, and possibly lives. He thought every business man should become an honorary member of the brigade and pay an annual subscription. The president of the U.F.B.A. then presented the trophies won during the year: Dickie Cup, Deputy Pretty and Fireman Goble; medals to Secretary Firman, Forbes, and Elder; one-man competition, Foreman Goble and Secretary Firman; certificates, Firemen Elder and. Grigg. The trainer of the tug-of-war team, Fireman Steel, was also presented with a medal. Foreman Goble proposed the toast of “The Visitors.” Messrs Vause (Cambridge), Pilkington (Te Aroha), Stewart (Matamata), Gilbert (Onehunga), and Yardley (Hamilton), re died. The toasts of “ The Press ” and ’The Ladies” were duly honoured and iic social was concluded at a late hour after singing “ Auld Lang Sync.” During the ceremony musical items .vere given by the Jazz Band and Messrs. Osborne, Birch, Stringfield, A. Gifford, Davidson and Yardley.