REGRETTED RESIGNATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 22443, 14 September 1936, Page 14

REGRETTED RESIGNATIONS

FIRE BOARD AND 3RIGADE LOSSES CHAIRMAN AND EX-SUPERINTENDENT HONOURED Two valued workers in the fire protection of the odty and suburbs, one the retiring chairman ’of the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board and the other the recently retired superintendent of the brigade, were the guests of honour at a social function in the Central Station Social Hall on Saturday night. Mr S. B. Macdonald, whoso resignation as chairman the board had refused to accept until he had ileft the city to occupy a business appointment in Auckland, and Mr J. J. Salmon, whose retirement from service as superintendent was recently confirmed, were the members who were farewellcd by a representative attendance of board members, local bodies, firemen, and insurance interests. A member of the board (Mr J. L. Salmonci) presided. The toast of “ The King ” was drunk with musical honours. Proposing the toast of “ Local Bodies,” Mr W. W. Johnstone said that the connection between the local bodies and the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board was very close. He stressed the necessity of the water department making available an adequate supply and distribution of water, which were essential in the equipment of a modern brigade. He also thanked the mayor of the city andl councillors for their efforts to ensure an abundant water supply. The toast was replied to by the mayor (tho Rev. E. T. Cox), who gave the assurance that an improvement in the water supply was imminent, and paid tributes to Mr Macdonald, whose 17 years’ record of public service was most commendable, and Mr Salmon, whose 50 years’ term of fire-fighting was one to be proud of; the Mayors of Green Island (Mr T. M'Ahari) and Mosgiel (Mr A. F. Quelch). The toast of “ Parliament ” was proposed by Mr W. M. Briton, and was responded to by Mr M. Siiverstone, who _ emphasised the necessity of all public bodies giving their Government every support, irrespective of their political views. This was one of his last and most pleasant duties as chairman of the board, said Mr Macdonald when proposing the toast of “ The Guest, Retiring Superintendent J. J. Salmon.” What had already been said about Mr Salmon was not nearly adequate to express the love, esteem, and respect in which he was held not only by those who personally knew him, but by the citizens generally. Mr Salmon was going to a well-earned retirement with all the best wishes of the citizens. The speaker presented Mr Salmon with a substantial cheque from the board and constituent bodies. Returning thanks, Mr Salmon congratulated Superintendent R. H. Price and Deputy-superintendent W. R. Morrison on their appointments to office. Both men had worked with him and had given loyal service to the brigade and the citizens of Dunedin. He thanked the various chairmen of the board for the assistance they had given him at all times. Mr P. V. Drake proposed the toast of “ The Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board,” such bodies, lie said, being ever charged with an important duty in protecting life and property. In paying a tribute to the efficiency of the brigade, he said the citizens had little idea of tho time and work so cheerfully given by the members of the boax-d. Mr J. Wilson replied, and said the board had to thank its officers for the efficiency of the brigade. In Mr Salmon the board had an experienced and very capable superintendent, and now his place was being filled by a worthy successor. Everyone connected with the brigade deeply regretted the departure of Mr Macdonald, said the chairman, in proposing tho toast of “ The Guest, Mr S. B. Macdonald.” The work of the board ". as ve,, y complicated, and it was only after long experience that a member accumulated valuable knowledge. Mr Macdonald had acquired that knowledge during his association with various boards, including those in Dunedin, Oamaru, Port Chalmers, and Mosgiel, and he was now going away to Auckland, to which he would probably give tho benefit of that knowledge. Ho congratulated him on his business appointment in the north, and wished him every success in it. Mr Macdonald had not only served the community as a. raember { of the board, but had also been of assistance to the city in other ways, and as a result of his departure Dunedin would be the poorer. He then presented Mr Macdonald, on behalf of ‘‘J’ l ® board, with an oak office chair. ~Macdonald returned thanks for tne kindly words spoken and the presentation. He had been a member ot the board for seven years. Some two years ago it was constituted a Metropolitan Board, being the second in New Zealand so constituted. This step was taken in order that it might be or service to a wider community, and he believed that in time the board would not only embrace the districts it did to-day, but would reach as far as J ort Chalmers. The hoax'd was endeavouring to give a service to the people at the cheapest possible cost and in the most efficient manner, superintendent Price and Deputy-super-intendent Morrison were appointed to those positions after they had been well tried out, and when they were eventually appointed at a board meeting the decision was unanimous. He expressed the opinion that there were no better firemen in tho Dominion to-day than these Every man in tho rank and hie of tho brigade was a thorough fire lighter. Ho was about to leave Dunedin with, deep regret. No matter where he was Dunedin would always fie his love and would always be first m his thoughts. Ho had striven to do something for Dunedin and the province of Otago. The North Island prejudice against the South Island was a studied one, and he therefore emphasised the necessity of the South Island banding itself together, fighting down that prejudice, and demanding equal rights with the North Island. The toast of “ The Performers ” was proposed by Mr W. A. Scott, while Dr D. G. M'Millan, M.P., who arrived later in tho evening, added his tributes to the worth of the guests. The singing of ‘ Auld Lang Sync ’ broug'it the function to a close. Musical items were g : v?n by Mr S.' G. Angell and Mr C. C. Scott (songs) and Mr W. Le Gal (violin solos), while Mr C. Parnell was the accompanist.