FIREMEN'S PARTY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 75, 21 December 1937, Page 6

FIREMEN'S PARTY

Children Entertained at Hastings .SERVICE BARS PRESENTED A visit to the Hastings Fire Brigad.e station was made last evening by Santa Claus and in the spacious social room, some 30 or more children were provided with their annual treat — a Christmastree party. It is just 13 years since this function was inaugurated by the brigade, and last night 's gathering was as successful as any held previously. Gaily coloured in streamers, bunting and ribbons, the social room presented a veritable fairy palace in the imagination of the youngsters, and the huge Christmas tree, laden. as it was with hosts of packages, balloons, squeakers, and tinsel, was something to.marvel at. Santa Claus made an unorthodoX entry through a window, but his arrival was greeted with the greatest of plea^ure and joy. 'f* Each and every child, All of whom were members of the brigadesmen's families, received a handsome present. and in no timo the atmosphere was oue of laughter and happiness, and the children occupied the lloor to stage their games and play, or display, their gifts. There were happy interludesj/in their play as supper, drinks, ice-cream galore, squeakers, balloons and other party gifts were handed round And altogether it was a wonderful eveninlj — just as ' it was intended to be by ihe parents and brigademen, who also .derived no end of enjoyment at watching and participating in the fun. Aii mothers present, too. were given an ' ' interview ' ' with Santa Claus and each presented with a dainty gift. During the evening the children presented a brief programme of eniertainment, the contributions beingrrias

follow: — Eecitations by Betty Allan Ellis, Alfie Davey, Myrtle Davey, Marie McCormiek, John McCormick, Graham McCormick junr., Morrie Maddison, Maire Tong. Pat Tong and Norma Langley; songs by Jeanette Ellis, Nira Price, and a dance by Maire Tong. The visitors were welcomed by Supermtendent E. Henderson, who expiessed the brigade 's pleasure at having such a big attendance; while the Mayor, Mr G. A. Maddison, who is also chairman of the Hastings Fire Board, also extended a welcome and made reference to the fact that, owing to the infantile paralysis epidemic last year, it was not possible to hold the usual party. He tlianked the brigademen for their contmued interest in the children by their organising .each year such a splendid party. Others present incLuded Mr E. L. Cullen, M.P.. and Mr G. W. B. McCormick, a member of the Fire Board, and Mr L. Pickering, secretary to the board. More formal proceedings came later in the evening when Mr Maddison presented the service honours and congratulated the brigademen upon their efficiency and continuity of volunteer service to the community. The awards were as follow: — Gold bars: Superintendent E. Henderson, 33 years of service; Deputy-Superintendent H. Price. 33 years; Foreman W. O 'Neill; 29 years; Foreinan W. Keith, 27 years; Fireman E. Ferguson, 29 years. Silver bars: Caretaker A. Eichmond, 25 years; Fireruen 1\ Ellis, 15 years; S. Nesbitt. 13 years; W. DAvey, 13 years; J. Lang'loy, 11 years; M. Tong and N. Muir, nine years. Certificates: Fireman "VV. Lane and W. I'arsons, three years.