THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1083, 18 December 1877, Page 3

THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION.

On no previous occasion has the torchlight processions of our Volunteer Brigade on Anniversary Day, been carried out on great a, scale of magnificence as was that of last evening, and when moving along the streets it resembled fairy land on a large scale, more than anything else. Shortly after a quarter-past 9 the procession having been placed in position at the Cashel street bridge by Mr Superintendent Harris, moved off in the following order: — Ex-foreman Q-ourlay ; Cavalry Band; Fire Police; Pioneer engine, drawn by three horses, the former bearing a pagoda-shaped transparency, on which were seen a number of firemen engaged at various kinds of work ; Lyttelton Fire Brigade; Kaiapoi engine, carrying a transparency, and surrounded by Brigade ; Extinguisher Company and engine, with hose-reels attached. The engine was surmounted with a huge pagoda transparency, inside of which was a revolving Chinese lantern of large proportions; the hose-reels carried large transparencies bearing the mottos of the Brigade. The Extinguisher was drawn by six horses, with outriders in in firemen’s uniform. Next in order came the Rangiora Fire Brigade : then the Dreadnought engine, drawn by six horses, bearing large silver fountains playing fire; and last was the Deluge Steamer and hose-reel on the former of which was erected a huge cauldron, apparently containing molten metal, which was worked upwards from the centre by means of a small steam engine. Each member of the various companies attending their engines carried a torch, and with the band playing in front and varied coloured fires burnt at intervals throwing their glare for some distance on the immense crowd that followed, the effect can hardly be described. The procession marched down Cashel street to Colombo street, into Hereford street, along Montreal street and Cranmer square to Whateley road, returning by Colombo street, turning the Bank of New Zealand corner, it proceeded along Hereford street to Latimer square, where a halt was called. Here a large crowd had assembled to witness the display of fireworks, the grand stand being crowded to excess by ladies. The fireworks were prepared by Mr E. Rose, and the display was conducted by him, this portion of the programme doing him credit, and being quite as successful as the rest of the evening’s entertainment. The next movement was made down Manchester street, along Lichfield street, to the station, where the companies stationed there drew out of the line, and the Chester street division continued along Colombo street to their own station. This concluded the procession, and the streets were crowded for some time with sightseers of all ages returning to their homes evidently well pleased with the evening’s amusement.