THE FIRE BRIGADE’S ANNIVERSARY.

Evening Star, Issue 3623, 2 October 1874, Page 2

THE FIRE BRIGADE’S ANNIVERSARY.

The twelfth ahpjvgrsary of the Dunediu Volunteer Eire Brigade .ygs pelebruted in the usual planner last eyeniug. The yeather throughout the day wa§ very, wet apd boisterous, but improved considerably towards evening, thus allowing the procession to take its coarse with something like eomfort to those forming it. The members of the Brigade turned out in full force with their engines, hose-reels, and other portions ef their apparatus, their new uniforms giving them an extra smart appearance, and with the accompaniments of torches and colored fires enlivening the streets through which they passed.. The horses drawing the enengines, etc., were supplied by Mr Chaplin, and the Volunteer Artillery Band headed the prpcfssion, which, starting from the station,'parsed the southern part of the town, and then marched down to the north end and back. The supper (supplied by Mr Donaldson) was laid in the room above the engine-shed, which presented a very attractive appearance, the walls and ceiling being handsomely decorated with haulers, motttoes, flowers, etc. Oapt. Wain occupied the chair, and on either side were his Worship th* Mayor, Mr Thomas Birch, Mr W. D Meares, agent of thn Victoria Insurance Co ; G. W. Eliott, agent* to the N. Z. Insurance Co.; G. F. Reid, of the Standard Insurance Co, j Dr. Bakewell, iion. surge™ to the Brigade • Eieut. Hobbs filling the vice-chair. Letters from Hia JJhnor the Superintendent and Commissioner Wgl<|oft were read expressing regret at being unable to attend. Major Atkinson and Mj? Larnach bad also been expected.

The Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, coupling with that of tlje “Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” the UiUftO pf thp hon. surgeon of the Brigade; Dr Bak.ew.dl Responding at some length. The Vjce proposed fcbe “Superperinteadeat, Executive, end Provincial Council,” saying he oonid assure his 'fiphpr that the Brigade thought very highly oj his taking charge of their petition to be omptei from service on juries, and that they would do their duty in a way which would show their appreciation of the kindness. Foreman Lewis proposed the “Mayor and City Councillors,” remarking that he had made up his jfrind that this anniversary would have been celebrated in the hew en-gine-house, as promised by the Corporation. The speaker expressed his"pleasure at seeing Mr Bjrph amongst them as in days of old, for it was unduly tbrpugh that gentleman’s exertions and those of Capfc, Yfgitu that the Brigade was re-organised. The Mayor said he felt much pleasure, jn 1 responding to the teast of the “ Mayor and: City Council” for the first time since his election, that it was on such an occasion as tbif. The delay in erecting the new enginehouse wast not owing to the Council but to the fact of the Government pot having signified on what site it was to be pujfe up, As soon as that, is fixed pa the building'wiff’ jbe proceeded with, and will be not only a suitable one but alty? a&prnament to the City.—(Loud cheers.) !

The CsAiKMfy then presented tg JT.ieut. Hobbs, as from the working member? pf the Brigade, a handsome silver mounted call and chain, bearing ah appropriate inscription. The Chairman spoke very highly of his lieu • tenant’s behaviour at fires, saying hj? poujd not wish for a better officer, or fop one who worked with greater coolness. The presentation showed that .Lieutenant Hobbs was equally esteemed by the members of the Brigade.

Lieutenant Hobbs expressed his gratitude for the present and the kind feeling exhibited thereby. He inferred from it that he had d.one his duty, and that he should always continue to do. He knew of no brigade of which the members were desirous to do their work better than the Dunedin Brigade. Firenjian ’ proposed the *.* Insuranco Mesarp emd itjiot, peapbndjbg. ’

The Mayor then proposed the “ Dnuodin Fire Brigade,” expressing the pleasnie it had given him to watch its working. Captain Wain replied, giving a brief history of the Briiia.de since its reorganisation six years ago. The new engine-house, when eroded, would be of great Service, and it was intended lo have in connection withVit quarters for the engiusfeeeper, <and a Ptab'e for horses intended for the jose of theßtigade, which would facUitaoetimif speedy acrival at the scene of ‘any.-firethat might occur. It was also contemp-Sted to®rPofa tower at the new station, with another SaTm bell. He concluded by reading the following report:— “This ia the sixth anniversary since the re-organisation, and the twelfth year since the first formation of the-Brigade. Thesame officers have held the same position since 18t)8. During the past twelve months the Brigade has been called nut fifteen times ; seven were for serious fires, the other eight for alarms of- fires and a gas explosion. The average attendance at fires has bsen-twenty, six, out of thirty ; members. Ten practices have taken place during the past year,; the average attendance being twenty.one. Six members- have been elected,%and six have iesigned. 'J he following .contributions hive been received Mr. G. Munro, 15; Mr G F Beid, 1,20; Messrs Hogg and Hutton, LIOj.Mr A- B- Hey. 110 j Messrs Guthrie and Larnach, LI 00 ; licensed Victuallers’ association,. L 5 2sj honorary members, 12 1 ,5s ; total ,„LL77 7s. There-ia«»-balance to the credit of, the sick, and accidental fund of LlO2 7s. The Brigade have daring the year purchased books .to the value of L 13.” •

The remainder of the evening was spent in singing and hj alth-propcsing, a break-up not bring made till an early hour this morning.