OTAKI FIRE BRIGADE

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1946, Page 2

OTAKI FIRE BRIGADE

SUCCESSFUL RE-UNION 6 Perliaps the most successful and enjoyable re-union yet held by the Otaki Voiunteer Fire Brigade was Chat which took place at Raukawa jn Saturday night, when between 150 and 200 persons attended. The evening was passed very enjoyably with -song, mirth and story, and the juperintendent (Mr. "Patu Sharpj and his fine body of energetic workers, are to be commended on their successful efforts. Visitors were present from as .far north as Palmerston to Wellington and Tawa Flat, the last named brigade send.ng quiie a concing^nc. ihe supermtendent proved an excellent sliairman, and affairs were kept golng merrily till midnight. After the toast of "The King" had been honoured, Superintendent Sharp expressed thanks to Maori friends who had placed the dininghall at the brigade's disposal, the latter's room being far too small to hold the gathering. He aoped that all present would spend an enjoyable time, and aaded that cho brigade had tendered several farewells to men who had gone overseas and were now pleased to give w'elcomes on their return. While some of the brigadesmen had been overseas the brigade's jubilee had been celebrated, and it was regretted that many familiar faces were absent at the time. However, most of the men were now back, and it was thought only right and proper that they should be given a chance to be accorded a welcome at a re-union. It was with pleasure that he announced the nam.es of ;the recently-returned men. They were Brigadesmen "Chap." Bills, J. Macleod, W. Perkins, R. Cleland, C. Cooksley, and E. Tayior. (Applause i . The toast of "The R.S.A." was proposed. Captain Brown, in responding, thanked all for the hearty manner in which they had honoured the toast. All knew of the good work of the R.S.A., and of the work ahead. Returned men would be welcome to participate in the affairs of the association, and when all had joined it would be a very powerful body. Mr. Jock Macleod, in proposing the toast of "The Maoris," paid a warm tribute to mernbers of the race, and added that New Zeaiand, besides being proud of the Maoris, could thank them for the great part they had taken in the war. They had certainly proved themselves fine soldiers. (Applause) . He had had the pleasure of coming into contact with several while overseas, and his opinion of them and also that of otliers, was high. It was an eye-opener to see the way they entered battle — they were wonderful, and showed no fear. Apart from the war the Maoris were only too willing to help in any function for the beneflt of the town, while their generosity was

also well known. "For They are Jolly Good Fellows" followed. . Mr. Bunny Carkeek stared that he fully appreciated the remarks made on behalf of the Maori race, and made mention of their doingo throughout both wars, while it was very pleasing to know that the Britishers looked upon them with pride. He was pleased to hear it said that Maoris and Pakehas- were on equal footing, and said it hac been a privilege to fight shoulder tc slioulder with their Europear brotliers. At any time the Maori. vvoiud be oniy too wnling tc assist in any way.

"The Guests of the Evening" wa a toast proposed by Mr. Atmore iMayor), who, in his opening remarks, stated that the men being welcomed had already given good service with the brigade, who looked upon n a.. a privilege to entertain them. The> all honoured the men who had sc bravely fought, and he spoke o, the splendid services rendered ii Crete, Greece and North Africa tc Germany. The men had been witi others who had fought so braveh, for victory, they had showed courage and devotion, and he offerea his congratulations on theh achievements. It was gratifying rc see that the men presenc hac returned fit and well. Experienct gained by the men wno hac. returned should be of beneflt. Mr Atmore paid a tribute to the Maor: Battalion, and spoke of the fln. | fellowship existing between the twi j races.

Mr. "Chap"' Bills stated that i. was pleasing to be at such'a gather Ing and to again see familiar faces { He appreciated the welcome ant j spoke of the good work of resident. , who had carried on and done muci j for those who had gone overseas. Their work had been appreciated Naturally, the men were pleased rc be back with their relatives and I friends, any they -hoped to ! again take an active part in the aifairs of the origade. H was c 1 -.> that had carried on harmoniously for years, and no cioubt wodiu continue to do so. Mr. Jock Macleod, in endorsing the remarks, spoke highly of tiic brigadesmen who had done much for the boys while overseas. ) Mr. Winston Perkins said that he also appr.eciated all that the mernbers of the brigade had done. Theii efforts had been greatly appreciated. Mr. Mortiboy proposed the toab! of "The Press," Mr. Nicolson replying, while Mr. Ray Bills proposed that of "Honorary Mernbers." He spoke of their help when such

needed. Mr. E. Bartosh replied. dtating that it had been a pleasure oo be of asslstance to a body oi men who had done such flne work. Mr. T. V. Cahill, in proposing th.. toast of "Visicing Brigadesmen,stated that it was a pleasure to ; ec so many present, and he hope^ that all wouid have an enjoyabk time. He referred eulogisticahy k all who had helped the brigade sc loyally.

Replies were also forthcoming from representatives of the Palmerston North, Levin, Shannon, Upper Hutt and Wellington Drigadesmen. Superintendent Melville (Taw Flat) stated that he and his moi appreciated the invitat-ion to b present and he assured all that ; most enjoyable evening had beei spent, in faet it had been "a won derful evening." On this he said h. had the backing of other v'sitin; brigadesmen. Superintendent Sharp stated thr it was gratifying to hear that al had spent a pleasant evening an. he expressed the hope that the; would be present at future re' unions of the brigade. Pleasim reference was ma'de to the concer party, under the management o Mr. Dean, for its very pleasan entertainment. Mr. Dean stated that it had beer a pleasure to be present. Member of his party had had a most enju able .time, and would be pleased t attend any similar function. "Auld Lang Syne" terminated very enjoyable evening.

Concert Party The concert party, uflder thc guidance of Mr. Dean, cohtributeu largely to the enjoyment of th evening, and the singing, piano playing and jokes were • enjoyed Prolonged applause greeted eacl item, and encores were demandea A "memory test" was -fully appreci ated. Among those who forwardei apologies for unavoidabie absenc were Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P., Genera R. Young, Messrs. W. Merton, w Wilson, Harry Wong, L. Moss, L. G Gimblett, H. Cockrell, K. ITager anc Lieut. Webber.