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Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1929, Page 4

Tup. trite saying that all’s well that ends well, applies literally to the visit 'if the New Zealand firemen which end

cd with the concluding day of the Jubilee Year Demonstration on Saturdav.

The achievement of the town in carry ing through the exacting reuicements incidental to a visit of four or live hundred people lor a period of nine or leu days, together wilh providing all

that is required for the business side of (.ho work of the visitors (opart ifrom Hie entertaining side) was quite meritorious. The officials of the Fire Brigades’ Association have referred again and again to the general excellence of the arrangements, and to the smoothness with which it was possible to conduct the events of a very crowded visit. Apart from what was done locally and the forethought exeivisd in endeavouring to meet all possible demands, the weather, of course, was the special factor in assuring the measure of success recorded. The West Coast weather, by common consent, is reviled generally. The district has a false reputation in that respect, for it has been proved over and over again that the climate here is not only good on the whole, but so markedly salubrious f 1" if at seasons there is a little extra quantity of rain recorded, it does no grievious harm, and in any care is mdispensihle for the life and being of our great tracts of timber country which are an asset to the Dominion as a whole. While the local conditions in connection with the visit now concluded, wen* so pleasing and won for the town such kudos, we must not overlook the fact that the genial conduct and excellent hearing of the visitors left nothing to he desired, and was in itself a contributing factor to that measure of all round success with which the Jubilee gathering of the Association has been crowned. The Association as far as it could he guaged by an outside view, is a very earnest organisation carried on with the desire to advance the interests of all firemen for the great work they are called upon to perform. And the rank and file are composed of equally good fellows, well meaning and well mannered, who respond promptly to discipline and are loyal to their duties. We are sure that after last week’s experience those who had the opporlunity of being brought into touch with the firemen must have been impressed ,

with tile personnel of the organisation, and the genuine spirit of those charged Avilli the responsible duties which, in emergency. ifnll to their lot. From their bearing and demean mr in church parade ,to their attention and devotion to business at their conference, and on the rigorous and vigorous tasks, the teams performed at the demonstration there can be no doubt about the splendid body of men New Zealand has organised for the task of iire-lighting. Gatherings such as that just held are for the purpose of better equipping the men. The knowledge gained and the experience obtained will be of great service to the country. We certainly congratulate the Association on its mission in New Zealand, and wish it a lengthy career with every good wish for a growing success as the years roll by. ‘ ‘