THE FIRE BRIGADE’S ANNIVERSARY.

Evening Star, Issue 3313, 2 October 1873, Page 2

THE FIRE BRIGADE’S ANNIVERSARY.

The anniversary of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade was celebrated last night by the usual torchlight procession. The whole of the members, with one exception, turned out, and the weather being fine, the effect was very striking. The engine “ Pride of Dunedin,” drawn by four greys, driven by Mr W. Duflf, came first, followed by the three hose reels and the hook and ladder carriage, the firemen carrying torches and burning colored lights. The horses were kindly supplied by Messrs Chaplin and Co. Headed by the Provincial Band, the procession started from the engine station, proceeding along Princes street south as far as the Imperial Hotel, thence through Hope and Stafford streets into Princes street again, down George street as far as the White Horse Hotel, returning by way of Great King street to the station, in the long room of which THE SUFFER

was laid. The room had been newly and tastefully decorated by the members with flags, ferns, and ornamental devices, and being well lighted, and the tables crowded with the varieties of an ample supper (provided by Mr Donaldson, of the Cutting), presented a very inviting aspect. Mr Wain, Captain of the Brigade, occupied the chair, supported on the right by the Mayor, and on the left by Mr Commissioner Weldon, the vice-phair being occupied by Lieut, Hobbs. There were also present Captain Copeland, Mr G, Grant, of the Norwich Union Insurance Company, Mr Law, of the Koyal Insnrapee Company, and a number of honorary

members of the Brigade. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly received, The Chairman proposed the “Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” remarking that of the last body be knew little beyond what he had seen of it in Utago, and from the way in which Volunteering was carried out here he could not help thinking there was a lukewarmness amongst the men. They did not turn out well at drill or parade; in fact, though it might be blowing his own trumpet, he could not help saying they did not turn, out as cl d the Fire Brigade, whose attendance was excellent both at fires or at practice. The officers of the Volunteer corps must be greatly annoyed and discouraged at this lack of spiiit. Captain Copeland responded to the toast, saying it was the fifth annual occasion of his having the honor of being invited to that supper. While complimenting the Chairman on the efficient state of his Brigade, he was sorry that gentleman had formed so gloomy an idea of Volunteering in Otago. The force had been much superior some years ago, and perhaps the secret lay in their having had no enemy to brush them up, while the firemen had frequent occasions of meeting their foe. Lieutenant Hobbs then proposed the “ Superintendent, Executive, and Members of the Provincial Council,” which was duly honored, and Mr Shepperd proposed the “ Mayor and Corporation, ” quoting the words of an English statesman, to the effect that municipal corporations were the backbone of England. The Mayor, in reply, said be had always taken great interest in the Brigade, and now that be was at the bead of the Council his influence, which would be used for their benefit, would be enhanced. He had been very unwell during the evenin?, but since being in the company of so many red-coats had revived considerably. This was doubtless owing to their kind reception of him, and he felt deeply the fact that he was always received in a pleasant way whenever he appeared in a public position. The “ Insurance Agents ” were then proposed by Foreman Lewis, coupled with the name of Mr Law, of the Royal ; but that gentleman appearing very diffident, Mr G. Grant, of the Norwich Union, responded. He had hoped that Messrs Eliott and Jack, of the 'ew Zealand and National Companies, would have been present, but their absence was unavoidable. He constsidered that too much honor and gratitude could not be shown to the Volunteer Fire Brigade, especially by the Insurance Com panics, for the firemen risked their lives to save property in which those companies had a direct interest. He should be glad to be enrolled as an honorary member of the force Foreman Stewart then proposed the health of Mr Weldon, Commissioner of Police, and “ prosperity to the Police force.” The Commissioner, in replying, said that was the first occasion of his being present at the Brigade’s annual gathering, but he trusted nob the last. The Police force and the members of the Brigade often met together for one common cause—the preservation of life and property—and they had always worked well together. In his twenty years’ experience ho had known excellent Fire Brigades, both paid and unpaid, but the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade was equal, if not superior to any of them. When at their post at a fire he had often admired the alacrity and discipline of that body of men. The remaining toasts, including “The Chairman,” “The Ladies,” fee., were heartily received, and the meeting did not separate till an early hour.

The following information with reference to the Brigade is interesting This is the eleventh year since the formation of the Brigade and the fifth since its reorganisation, and the officers have been unchanged since 18BS, with the exception of the Secretary, The number of tires attended during the past year was seven, of which three were serious. There were, besides, two false alarms. The average attendance of members at these fires was twenty-seven. The Brigade held twelve general meetings, two special meetings, and eleven practices, the average attendance being twenty-three. 1 ontributions had been received to the sick and accident fund as follows ;—United Insurance Agents, L‘2s ; Mr Eliott, of the New Zealand Insurance Company, LlO ; Messrs Fish, Duncan, Wilson, and Marshall, L 5 each; honorary members, LlB 12s, making a total of L7312s during the twelve months.