FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3129, 8 July 1881, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.

The united Napier and Spit Fire Brigades held their annual dinner last evenine at the Caledonian Hotel. The men of both brigades mustered in good force, and at eight o'clock sat down to such a repast as Mr Barrows knows how to spread. His Worship the Mayor presided, and Mr Liddle occupied the vice-chair.

Tbe usual loyal toasts were proposed and drank with enthusiasm.

The Vice-Chairman then, in a few felicitiouß remarks, proposed " The Corporation." His Worship the Mayor, in responding, said that since the Corporation came into existence it had done much for the town, and amongßt other good things it bad done it had always given a hearty support to the fire brigades. They had to thank the councillors for the great advances made in improving the town. No institution deserved more support than a fire brigade whose members were ready at all hours and in any weather to do their utmost to serve their fellows. It was tbe duty of the Council and of the Insmance Companies to do their utmost to support such an institution. Mr Maney proposed " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," and after the toast had been drunk with musical honors, Sergeant Gilberd responded.

Mr Balfour, in proposing " The Napier and Spit Fire Brigades," said they all kDew bow ready the men were to turn out. In carrying out their duties they exhibited self-constraint and a spirit of self-sacrifice that was highly commendable. The engaging in this work was spontaneous on the part of members, and resulted from a laudable desire to save life and property. As head of the fire police, be trusted that his men would be able to turn out as well and a. promptly.

After the toast had been drunk, Superintendents Wilkie and Spence briefly replied.

Tbe prizes won at the competition on the 18;h of April last were tben distributed by His Worship to the following fortunate winners:—The hose and hydrant contest: First prize, Messrs Gilberd and Bogle; second prize, Messrs Holland and Coe; third prize, Messrs Hartley and Simmonds. In the singlehanded event Mr Gilberd received the first prize, Mr Holland the second, Mr Fraser the third, Mr W. Lucas the fourth, and Mr Taylor the fifth. For the four-men drill Messrs Gilberd, Coe, Holland, and Bogle received the first prize, and Messrs Smith, Waddle, Gifford, and Cranby the second. In tbe hose reel and ladder contest, Messrs Lynch, Smith, W. Lucas, Waddle, and J. Lucas, received the first prize, and Messrs Fraser, Oounor, Attwell, Gifford, and Cranby the second prize. In tie contest with the small manual engine, Messrs Fraser, Connor, Lyncb, Smith, Gifford, Waddle, W. Lucaß, and Taylor, received the first prize, and the same team were successful in taking prizes for the large manual contest, for the hose reel flat event, and for the aggregate in the last three matches.

His Worship congratulated those who had won prizes, and said that those who had failed need not be ashamed, as they had done good work. Mr E. Ashton proposed "The Fire Insurance Association." He said the Insurance Companies in this town had rendered greater assistance to the brigades than in any other town in the colony.

Mr Liddle replied on behalf of the Association.

Mr Cotton briefly proposed " The Donors of Prises," and the chairman responded.

Mr Barrows said that nothing had given him greater pleasure than to give a prize in this competition. He had watched the brigades carefully, and bad seen them coming home from fires wet, dirty, and wearied, and he was satisfied that their energies did not flag. If other people thought as he did, the prizes at the next competition would be of greater value.

Mr Leonard proposed " The Successful Competitors," and said that the prizes bad been gained by hsrd work, and every prize had been thoroughly earned. Many of those present were present at the dinner last year, and it was a good thing to see the men sticking to the brigades. Constant and steady practice was required in every service. After the toast had been drunk, Mr Gilberd replied for the successful competitors in tbe Napier brigade, and Mr Fraser for those in the Spit brigade.

The Chairman then gave " The Fire Police."

Captain Balfour, in replying, said they were yet in their infancy, and required time to get into full working order. Those who had joined knew well the work that would be required of them, and they would not be found wanting.

Mr Leonard proposed the " Fire Inspector," who had alwayß shown himself well worthy of the position'he held. Mr Kemsley responded. The Chairman proposed the health of Mr W. Miller, who had interested himself in the Napier fire brigades for something over eighteen years. Mr Kemsley responded on behalf of Mr Miller. " The Ladies,'' " The Press," " The Host and Hostess," and " The Chairman," were all proposed and cordially drunk. Mr Kernsley, in proposing " The Unsuccessful Competitor.," said that for the prizes distributed that evening he had written cheques for upwards of £75, and in addition there were many valuable gifts. Although those whose health he was proposing had not shared in them, they had perhaps worked harder than those who had, and their failure might have resulted from accident. They had gone through hard work, and bad fought an up-hill fight. He trusted they might be more successful naxt year.

Throughout the evening the proceedings were enlivened by a number of admirable songs, given by Messrs Simtnonds, Liddle, Smith, Hollonds, Parker, Spence, Binnie, Robson, and Denholm. Towards midnight one of the pleasentest gatherings at which it has been our good fortune to be present was brought to a conclusion by the singing by the entire company of the National Anthem, and " Au!d Lang Syne."