FIRE – FIGHTER RETIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1930, Page 5

FIRE - FIGHTER RETIRES

.PRESENTATION AT SUMNER

CHRISTCHURCH, September 24

The esteem in which Air .James Carter, ex-superintendent of the Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade, is held, was much in evidence last evening, when a complimentary social was tendered to him in the Sumner Town Hall. Old comrades and residents foregathered in large numbers to honour Air Carter who retired recently from active participation j in Fire .Brigade matters after 45 years service.

The Superintendent of the Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade (Mr G. Harper) presided, and those present included the Mayor of Sumner (Mr W. H, Nicholson), Superintendent 0. C. Warner Superintendent ft' Strikes (New Brighton), Captain H." Carson (Lyttelton), Ex-Superintendent Banbury. (Railway, and Superintendent Tyler (Rangiora). A number of toasts were honoured. The Mayor, on behalf of, the residents of Sumner, expressed appreciation of the long and faithful service of Mr Car ter. He was glad to see such a representative gathering, especially so many of Mr Carter’s old hose and hydrant comrades. He had always been associated with the Sumner Brigade, and was regarded as an institution in the borough. He therefore wished Air Carter many years of good health to enjoy his retirement. In presenting Mr Carter with a well-filled wallet, the Mayor said that it was not by any means a measure of the debt which residents owed to Air Carter. He deserved the very highest, praise for his long period of- faithful service.

Several others spoke in complimentary terms of Mr Carter and wished him long life and good health. On rising to reply, Mr Carter was greeted with musical honours and prolonged applause. He said that he had received his first lesson in Fire Brigade work at the old station, where the Ring Garage now stands in Armagh street, At the age of 22 he joined the brigade, and was proud to say that since then he had been one of the most active members of the United Fire Brigades’ Association. He had represented the borough of Sumner at many demonstrations throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand, and he was proud to have been privileged to wear the uniform of the Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade. The time had now arrived when, with the greatest of regreat, he must say good-bye to the fire service. He had done his duty; he bad no grievances, and he thanked the speakers for their very kind words and good wishes. Items were given by Messrs Edwards, ■McDowell, and Woods.