VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1043, 10 November 1903, Page 3

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

At the Fire Brigade Station last evening tho members of the brigade assembled for tho distribution of prizes. His Worship the Mayor presided, Crs Morrison, Somervell, and Hepburn also being presont. An excellent supper was provided and done full justice to. Tbo toast of “ Tho King ” having been duly honored., his Worship the Mayor said that it was due to the kindness of the Council that they had such a large room to assemble in that evening. Ho referred to tho scarcity of v/ater at low tide, which matter was being considered by the Council. Ho thought they had worked well together. He had been connected with tho brigade for over 20 years. In connection with the competition held that day, it showed that the men had attended to their practices in a most assiduous manner. It was a splendid exercise. The Borough Council modal which had been offered in 1894 had been won by Mr A. Wallace, who was an excellent fireman. His Worship then presented Mr Wallace with the medal on behalf of the Council, and other prizes wero distributed. Mr Townley remarked that Mr Wallace had again succeeded in winning the Council’s gold medal, which was presented by the Council in 1888, to be won year by year for the best aggregate scorer. The competitions had been thoroughly carried out, and the officers were most attentive to their duties. The Brigade were also attentive to their work.

Mr G. Wildish, on behalf of the competing members, thanked the officers who officiated. The Gisborne Brigade were fortunate in having citizens who subscribed liberally to the prize fund. A number of people considered that the competition held was only a picnic. That was not so. They had so few fires that if they did not have a competition they would not bo able to make the young men proficient. He considered that the Brigade should have a fund of its own without having to go to the publio so often, and that the Borough Council should contribute towards the fund.

Or Hepburn, in reply to Mr Wildish re a fund, said as long as he had been in the Council anything that the Brigade had asked for was granted. He would do all in his power to a3ssist them. Ho was pleased to note that everyone worked together so well. As far as he was concerned he would do his best to got a little money from the Council for the Brigade. Or Somervell said that it was most pleasing to soe so many of the men had worked their way up in the Brigade. A fireman required his wits, and also to be smart. He had always supported the Fire Brigade, because they worked for the whole community. - There wore men in the Borough who owned property who never thought of the Brigade until their own property was in danger. He proposed the health of tho Brigade, which was given with musical honors. Mr Pavitt referred to the days when the Brigade worked under difficulties. There was an excellent body of men in the Brigade. The Fire Brigado Bill would set matters right when every ratepayer would have to contribute towards the maintenance of the Brigade. Cr Morrison said that the work of the Brigade that day compared favorably with the competitions of larger citizens. Mr Wildish referred to the generosity of the press. He also wanted to know if the Council would consider the matter of elevated tanks if there was no hope of a water supply ; it would save muoh time. His Worship said it was a question which had boen discussed for some time, but was deferrod on account of the expense. They wero shorter of cash to-day than for the last five yoars. The alteration of tho system of getting water from the rivor required the most urgent atton-

tion of tho Council. Cr Morrison considered that the Brigade should appoint a committee to meet the Counoil in connection with the mbst urgent needs. His Worship said an estimate was already and would be presented at the next meeting of the Council.