UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1929, Page 3

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION

YESTERDAY'S DOINGS. The weather changed for the better early yesterday forenoon, and the day continued beautifully fine. The morning saw the Conference resume, and sitting till finished about midday, left the afternoon free. At 1.45 the men: hers of the Executive in cars provided by the Automobile Association, left for the Hokitika. Gorge. This trip enabled the visitors to see something of the settlements of Kokatahi and Koiterangi. At the gorge a short- stop was made to enjoy the scenery of the locality which is always impressive. On the return journey a stop was made at Longford Hotel, where a- pleasant afternoon tea was provided, and on return ing several of the party visited the racecourse and motored over Sea View hill through the hospital grounds an# back to town.

A much larger contingent consisting of the delegates attending the Conference was motored to the dredge, several cars being pressed into service Cor the occasion. The officials at Hie dredge very kindly took charge of the several hatches and gave the visitors as much information as they could. 'iTi • novelty of alluvial gold, mining by the dredging process was entirely new to the visitors who took the greatest interest in the 4 'work and particularly in the gold-saving methods. l ast night a welcome ball was'held in, the Soldiers’ Hall, ft was a record from every point of view, and particularly in regard to attendance and all round success. A larger gathering ol its kind has never {taken place here, but all went merry as, the proverbial marriage bell. The floor was in good order anc! the music by Ross’ Orchestra exceilen —dnaiiy of the visitors from large town: commenting on the first class dance music provided. Mr Davidson and other firemen assisted in the direction and the ladies’ committee had a task to serve supper. , Good organisation and cheerful assistance from the visitors helped greatly, and what appeared a the outset an impossible task was soon an fait accompli. The management oi the hull was in the hands of a special committee, Mr J. Butland being secretary. and.the arrangements were s - complete that this important function (~f the programme passed off with credi: to all concerned. It was remarkable how the dancers were able to accommodate themselves on the crowded floo: but everyone was very much at honn with his or her neighbour, and all out for a pleasant time. Judging by the heartiness of the proceedings the objective was attained to the fullest degree. The gathering was a credit to the town in every respect, and indicated the Inca: resources in , adaptation to a clegiec which could hardly he expected even in a community where greater space and more folk were available to direct and carry through so outstanding a fulic tion. Dancing went on far into the night, or rather early morning, rtn<l the function was voted a bright and happy success.