50 YEARS' SERVICE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19987, 12 July 1939, Page 7

50 YEARS ' SERVICE

RETIRING .FIREMAN

VOLUNTARY EFFORT

FIRE BRIGADE MEETING Eulogistic reference to the 50 years of civic service given by DeputySuperintendent A. Thomson as a member of the Gisborne Fire Brigade was made by speakers at the annual meeting of the brigade held last evening with Superintendent J. Kane presiding over a very strong attendance of members. The fifty-sixth annual report was presented and a sound balance-sheet reviewed. The report pointed out that 22 calls had been answered during the year, in comparison with 21 in the previous year. Twenty-six meetings and practices and one parade had been held, making a total of 49 musters for the year. Attendances throughout had been good, with several members guiding close to the possible for attendances.

About the end of June the brigade moved into the new station, making the work easier and adding to the comfort of the brigadesmen. Three Valuable Members Retire

During the year the brigade lost the services of three valuable members. Deputy-Superintendent A Thomson, with 50 years’ service, and Messrs. W. Wildish and J. P. Weston, both with over 30 years’ service.- The hope was expressed that some recognition would be made of the action of these men in giving the best part of itheir lives in a voluntary civic service.

In March Superintendent Kane and the secretary, Mr. D. L. Ferguson, attended the fire brigades’ conference and demonstration as delegate and president respectively, the gathering being held in Wanganui. Financial matters had been very quiet during the year, but with the fine social hall in. the new station, arrangements already had been made for the recommencement of the popular social evenings, which were expected to become as popular as they had been in the past. The thanks of the brigade were expressed to the honorary surgeons, Drs. W. A. Bowie and H. Angell, the Police Force, the Fire Police, the Power Board and staff, the telephone exchange staff, and the press. Referring to the report, Superintendent Kane commented on the excellent facilities provided in the new station and remarked on the bright future of ithe brigade. Election of Officers The election of officers resulted as —Secretary, Mr. D. L. Ferguson; treasurer, Mr. E. W. McKenzie; honorary surgeons, Drs. W. A. Bowie and H. Angell. All these officers were re-elected unopposed. Superintendent Kane expressed his thanks to the officers and men for the loyal support offered him during the past year and also offered the thanks of the Gisborne Fire Board for the splendid work carried out by the brigade. Mention was made of the splendid service of the secretary, Mr. Ferguson, .who 'had held that office,for the .past 31 years.