DUNEDIN EIRE BRIGADE.

Evening Star, Issue 4258, 19 October 1876, Page 2

DUNEDIN EIRE BRIGADE.

The first annual torchlight procession of the present Brigade took place lost evening, and proved a complete success. The illfortune of the old Brigade iu having boisterous weatbor on commemoration night does not appear to follow their successors. The procession headed by the Artillery Band left the Engine Station shortly before eight o’clock, and followed the line of route sketched out, several halts being made to . dmit of rockets and bine lights being displayed. The gear was turned out in a most creditable manner by engine-keeper Robertson (who lias filled that post for over fourteen years), and the horses supplied by Lieut. Falconer, but their rastiveness caused serious annoyance. The streets were lined with spectators, fully 5,000 persons witnessing the procession. At 9.30 p.m. the Brigade again mustered at the Engine Staaon, and marched to Watson’s Hotel, where

THE SUFFER was prepared and placed on the table in a most creditable manner, the room being tastefully decorated and the tables amply supplied with viands. Captain Atkinson presided, being supported on his right by his Worship tho Mayor, and on his left by Cr. Walter; Lieut. Falconer acting as croupiei', Mr J. Moss presided at the piano. Letters of apology were rend from his Honor the Superintendent, Messrs G. S. Brodrick (Liverpool, Loudon, and Globe Insurance Office), Ghos. Reid, (Standard), H. Law (Roya ), W. D. Meares (Victoria), and the Commissioner of Police.

The usual loyal and formal toasts were given and duly honored.

Foreman Sinclair in proposing “ Hia Worship th-5* Mayor and City Councillors,” said that the Council had given the Brigade everything they required in the shape of gear. The Corporation had, indeed, done all in its power to keep the Brigade together. The Mayor .said: Gentlemen, I have to congratulate you on the past year ol'yonr experience as a new Brigade. I would wish yon to bear this in mind, that however’ much some members of the Council may differ os to the means of having the most efficient Brigade in the City, that it is not with a view to in the least discourage the system of the volunteer movement that now exists amongst the members of the Brigade themselves; but some members of the Council have the idea that a paid Brigade would be more efficient for the City than a volunteer one. However some may entertain that idea, others are of a contrary opinion; but we cannot, at all events, close our eyes to this fact ; that in large cities tho fire brigades that were formerly volunteer brigades ore now being paid. I will take advantage of this opportunity to say, on behalf of the City Council, that the services of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade are fully recognised and appreciated, and I think, gentlemen, you may depend upon the assistance that the Cenncil is at all times willing to lend to the Brigade. I may siy that I believe that there is nothing in reason that the Volunteer Fire Brigade of this City asks that the Council will not freely give. The great object which the Council has in view is to see the Fire Brigade of the City in the most efficient state that it can possibly be in. It takes years to make a thorough good fireman; but you must bo.ir this in mind, that to gain proficiency yon must have practice,, and that you cannot have too much practice to be thoroughly up in your business as Volunteer Fire Brigade men. I may say, gentlemen, that in years bast the Brigade lias been the pride of the people of Dunedin, and I do not see why in tho future it should nut be a source of pride to have the Volunteer Fire Brignde in this City.—(Applause.) Ci. Wax..CEE referred to the difficulties attending the formation of the new Brigade during his term of office, nod to the disbandment of the old one. This was the first opportunity ho had had to refer to the matter, and. he took advantage of it to acknowledge the services rendered to hiin by the captain of the old Brigade—Mr Job Wain—(Loud applause.) Me wished to make one suggesiiov. So many lolty buildings were being erected iu Dunedin that the lime Lad arrived when the Brigade ought to apply to tho Council for ladders for such buildings.— (Anplanse.) Fort man Murphy gave “The Insurance Companies," and thanked them for the very handsome manner iu which they had assisted tho Brigade in connection with tho Ballarat and the proposed Dunedin demonstration.

Mr Hilt, Jack reminded, the Brigade that their efficiency was the insurance companies’ security. He cenld only hear his quota of testimony as to the efficiency of.the Drißa-'V. and’ the confidence t Ie- ivsumoce companies had iu them was witnessed ’ey tho good feeling that hud always existed bet ween them.

**** “ Th« Dunedin Volunteer Fire Bnpde, and expressed hia satisfaction at seeing that the Dunedin Brigade was not behind the Brigades in other Colonies in devising a demonstraistrataon. It would establish a name not only in .regard to the Volunteer Fire Brigade but would -establish the name of the City of Dunedin throughout the wuole of tho Australian Colonies. In inanSirating the proposed festival for Boxing Day the ngade showed a commendable spirit, and one deserving the greatest possible encouragement not. S&MS 8 clt i z ® n9 T. of Dunedin but from the citizens of the whole Province of Otago.—(Loud" applause). He regretted that the Corporation had by a majority not em lit to give a special' City or Corporation nnzt . He looked upon it at the time that it, would have the effect; pfdamping the demonstration with the form of authority and lending it greater weight than it would otherwise have had. Jhe Brigade were deserving of "the very warmest fchants of the citizens at large, for they risked not of ttieir dtrties*^ 8 ves * n the prosecution

The Chairman gavo some interesting particulars of tho numerical state of the-Brigade. The present Brigade started on October 18. and a fire took place m Moray Place three days afterwards, when they were complimented for the very creditable way they shaped. The Brigade were going to have two extra at the top of Elm Bow and York Place, and one at the top Of-Pitt streote- ; *• * The other toa?ta welcc—“ The Health of Mr Job .Wain, ex-Cap to in of the Fire Brigade," "The Commercial Interests of Otago," “Native Indnstries," “The Lieutenant." “The Secretary." , “ The Working Members of the Bri«aae- X Fo 7«nen. °f the Hose and Saddle; Reel” and “ Onr Hosts," ■