ANNUAL MEETING OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 618, 4 January 1870, Page 2

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

The annual electiou of officers of the Greymouth Fire Brigade took place last evening in the engine-room. The Brigade appeared for the first time in their new uniforms. All the present officers were unanimously reelected. Immediately afterwards the Brigade marched to the Volunteer Hall, where the tirsfc annual banquet was to take place. The chair was occupied by Captain J. A. Whall, supported on the right by his Worship the Mayor (J. Kilgour, Esq,,)H. H. Lahman, Esq , M.C.C., and Councillor Strike; on the left by W. H. Revell, Esq., R.M., and Councillor Wickes (Treasurer to the Brigade.) The vice-chair was filled by Lieatenant Hosie. All the other officers — Foreman Amos, of Hose Company ; Foreman Holder, Hook and Ladder and Fire Company ; Engineer Sewell, and Secretary . .Hawley, were present. The company numbered about fiftyTho supper, provided by Mr Johnston, of the Melbourne Hotel, was of a very excellent description, and was done ample justice to by the company. During. the evening Mr Norberg presided at the pianoforte. Captain Whall proposed the toasts " the Queen ami the Royal Family ; the "Army Navy, and Volunteers," which were duly honored. Ensign Hall, in the absence of - Captain Hamilton, who was expected to be present, replied on behalf of the Volunteers. Song, "Nil Deaperauduin" — Volunteer Fraser. Foreman Amos proposed — " Our Representatives in the County Couucil," coupled with the name of Mr H. H. Lahman. Mr Lahman responded, and took the opportunity of vindicating the Council from attacks which had been imda upon it by our Hokitikacoutemporary. In spite of all abuse he was sure that all had done their best to do their duty.. He objected to the payment of members, and would bring in a motion to do away with that. He would never do anything in the Council from self-interest, but simply for the pure interests of his constituents. He cared little for the abuse that had been lavished upon him, and he would still go in for retrenchment. (Ajjplause. ) Song, " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" — Volunteer Windsor. Lieutenant Hosie gave the toast of— " The May»r and Borough Council of Greymouth." He referred to the difficuities which the Council had encountered, and the satisfaction which the Mayor and Corporation had given to the citizens in the discharge of their duties, and the pleasure which it gaye to the Brigade to find so many of the Councillors in their uniform, and the assistance which they had given to the Brigade to the utmost of their resources. The Mayor replied at some length, giving explauations of the financial position of the Borough Council. He handed over the fireengine, free of all expenses, to the Brigade, on behalf "of the Council, which cost LSI 7, and also the 500 ft of hose recently purchased by the Council, which cost L 133, trusting that they would make good use of them when the opportunity arrived. On behalf of the Council, he wished the Brigade hearty success ; and, although the Council was iv difficulties, yet if they really wanted the balance the Council owed them, they would make a struggle to raise it somehow. (Applause.) He proposed — " The Captain and Officers of the b'ire Brigade." This was drank with musical honors. Captain Wuall replied, and on behalf of the Brigade thanked the Council for the plant they had- handed over, and the good wishes the Mayor had expressed towards the Brigade. vSong, "Sweet spirit hoar my prayer" — Mr Raphael. The other toasts proposed were— "The shipping and commercial interests," by Foreman Holder; "The Mining Interest," by Treasurer Wickes; "The Press," by Engineer Sewell ; " Friendly Societies," by Voluuteer A ncher; and "The Ladies." We were unable to report the speeches at length, owing to the heavy rain which fell on the large iron roof of the hall. On thn whole a very happy evening was spent, which will, no doubt, be annually looked forward to with pleasure by the members of our Volunteer Fire Brigade.