FIRE BRIGADES’ DEMONSTRATION.

Evening Star, Issue 4117, 8 May 1876, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADES’ DEMONSTRATION.

The members of the Wellington Fire Brigade selected to represent that body at the approaching demonstration at Ballarat on the 23rd and 24th iuat., arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday forenoon by the s.s. Arawata. They are under the charge of Superintendent Whiteford, and consist of branchma,n H. Woods; assistant-branchman W. Brodie ; secretary Tolley ; and firemen A. Darrock, Jones, and M’Grath. The Dunedin contingent will be represented by the full complement, permission having this morning been granted to Secretary Robertson to accompany them. Their names are :—S, Falconer (in command), Foreman Murphy, Assistant-foreman Rhodes, Secretary Robertson, Branchmau Galland, Firemen Grant, Bowers, and Webster.

The Wellington Contingent were entertained at noon to-day at

LUNCH, provided by the Dunedin Brigade at the engine-house. Messrs Watson catered. Captain Atkinson occupied the chair, supported on his right by the Mayor and on his left by Mr Job Wain, captain of the old Brigade. Lieutenant Falconer acted as croupier.

After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly honored. The Chairman gave, the health of the “Wellington contingent,” wishing them every success, and expressing the hope that they would bring back the cup or some other good recommendation; at the same time he hoped that his own men would beat them. He promised his own men a good jacketing on their return if they failed to do so;

Tins toast was drunk with musical honors, and Secretary Tolley, in response, returned his sincere and heartfelt thanks for the manner in which the Wellington men had been treated by the Dunedin Brigade. In case the Dunedin Brigade should ever visit Wellington he promised that it would be an endeavor of his own men to treat them with qua] hospitality.

In responding to the Mayor and Corporation of the City, his Worship mentioned that had the Brigade replied like tacticians to the Corporation’s resolution (based on the committee’s report} instead of sending the answer which had appeared in the papers before it was seen by Councillors their request would have been granted. The “Captain and Lieutenant ” was next given, and in response Captain Atkinson hoped that his team would return with laurels.

Mr Wain was called upon by fireman Willidan, who expressed the hope that he would make a few remarks which might be of benefit to the men who were going away. Mr Wain, in acceding to the request, promised that if necessity required it he woiii.'l assist the Brigade duringthe absence of a number of its members. He proposed “The Dunedin Team and the Working Members of the D-V.F.8.” Assistant - Foreman Rhodes responded, and promised that every* endeavor would be made by his team to secure vie Cup. Mr Wain, in responding to his health, said that if either of the Mew Zealand brigades only received honorable mention for their smartness they would be well repaid for their visit.

“The Insurance Companies, Secretary Robinson, and the Press ” brought the proceedings to a close.