THE LUNCHEON

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1929, Page 2

THE LUNCHEON

A VERY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION .MONDAY, Feb. 25th. The luncheon tendered at the Soldiers’ Hall to the Executive and Delegates to the [J.F.B.A. Conference was a very happy gathering. There were upwards of 209 present and the Ladies’ Committee arrangements were most complete. The tables were attractively laid out and a host of busy waitresses were ready to attend to the requirements of the guests who were served promptly and attentively loqjted alter, an excellent luncheon being provided. The chair was occupied by Supt. McIntosh of the Hokitika Fire Brigade, and besides the visiting Brigadesmen there were Hon. H. L. Michel, Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., Messrs G. A. Perry (Mayor), IV. Jeffries (Deputy Mayor), E. A. Weils (County Chairman). Apologies were read from Sir Joseph Ward (Prime Minister), Hon de la Perelle (Minister of Internal Affairs), Mr G. Black 01. P. for Motueka), Mr H. E. Holland (Leader of the Labour Party),' Secretary of the Grey Fire Board, A. B. Spiers (Mayor of Ku-; mara). THE TOAST LIST. The Chairman proposed the first toast “The King,” which was honoured and a verse of the National. Anthem sung. The Mayor ,Mr G. A. Perry) proposed the toast of “The New Zealand United Fire Brigades’ Association. He did so with great pleasure recognising that Fire Brigades and all associated therewith were of the utmost value to true'eitaenship. He proposed the toast with very great pleasure. New Zealand was noted for its great losses b>' fires, due to there being so many wooden buildings, but that was in no way against the work of the lire brigades. Throughout New Zealand they had a very lino body of men who gave their services freely. There was no service that appealed to. the public as that of the firemen, much of it of a voluntary nature. In charge of them they had a responsible body the N.Z.F.B. Association who had arranged a demonstration here to show their efficiency. He had much pleasure in proposing the toast.

President Freeman (U.F.B.A) replied. He said he would like to congratulate the Hpktka people ■on ’ the very fine spread given them that.day. In all his Fire Brigade experience he had never attended one like ,-this before, except when he attended the 1911 Confernce at Hokitika. The Fire Brigades as constituted to-day are looked on as a national asset. The Association was formed 50 years with a view to improving the conditions and efficiency of the Fire Brigade. That had resulted in the great improvement that was known to-day. Fire Brigades filled a great civic work. He again thanked the Mayor for his proposal oi the toast and the happy reception given it.

Secretary Watts also expressed his appreciation of the many kindnesses received at the hands of the people of Hokitika. Much water had run under tlie bridge since he had visited Hokitika, but Hokitika was still Hokitika. He had first been appointed secretary at that Conference, and he had the happiest recollections of his visit. He wished to state there was no civic duty equal to that carried out by the volunteer fire brigades of New Zealand. The men who hud walked in that church parade were the pick of their own towns. He hoped and trusted that this, their Jubilee Year, would prove a successful one. He wished to conclude by again thanking them for their hospitality and kindness. Mr James O’Brien (Member for Westland) proposed “The Hokitika Fire Board.” He was glad to propose the toast because the man who was to respond was one of the oldest firemen in New Zealand. There were also present two very old firemen, William Smith and Gabriel Heinz. Civically the fireman is one of the most important parts of a community. One duty of a Fire Board was to look after the requrements of the firemen. Every credit is due to the people of Hokitika for the very fine function just concluding.

Hon H. L. Michel, M.L.C., (Chairman of the Hokitika Fire Board) said he was glad to associate himself with the many functions being held this week. He outlined the agitation carried out by himself and some others, including Past President Bobbins of Hawera, and the late Capt. Burger of Kumara, which ultimately resulted in the passage of the legislation that was now in force. He had found that the representatives of the Underwriters’ Association were the most liberal of the members of the Board. In spite of the efficiency of the fire brigades the fire losses were far too heavy for this Dominion. Since the water supply was brought in no fire in Hokitika had got out of the building in which it had broken out. Concluding he asked that Mr Robbins be also allowed to speak, who could tell much of interest on Fire Boards.

Supt. Robbins said he attended the Conference held here in 1895. They got then the very best hospitality that could be extended to visitors, and the modern Hokitika people were keeping up those very high traditions to-day. It was here that the Association did him the honor of electing him as President Mr Robbins then proceeded to refer to the work entailed to push on tho passing of the Fire Brigade Act. The result of that Act was that now no Brigade had any difficulty in obtaining any reasonable equipment. Fire Boards were prepared to give favorable consideration to anything for tho advancement of fire brigades. Ho again wished to refer to the great hospitality

given in Hokitika and he wished the district every success.

The Chairman proposed the toast of 1 The Ladies” congratulating them on their splendid efforts in connection with that day’s function.

Deputy Superintendent Deere resfHmded appreciating the splendid work carried out. He spoke of the pleasant recollections of past gatherings. Superintendent Garrard (Thames) desired to congratulate the ladies for the great hospitality extended. The National Anthem brought the gathering to a successful conclusion it 2.30 p.lll.