PAEROA FIRE BRIGADE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5104, 23 March 1927, Page 2

PAEROA FIRE BRIGADE.

SOCIAL EVENING AT STATION.

MEMBERS’ SERVICES RECOGNISED

A gathering of members of the Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the tire station last night, when a ni-'st interesting time was spent under the able chairmanship of Superintendent W. Moore. The first part of tlie evening was devoted to a detailed account of the conference o.f United Fire Brigades’ Association, which was held recently at Gisborne. The Paeroa brigade’s delegate was Superintendent Moore, who also represented the Whakatane brigade. Amongst other important matters discussed was the question of tlie safety of passengers from lire in large char-a-bancs, and regulations pertaining to the'holding of fire-brigade sports and competitions. Foil- wing the disposal of the formal business Mr W. Turner, on behalf of the Star of Paeroa Druids’ Lodge, conveyed the grateful, thanks to, the brigade for the splqndid services it had rendered on the occasion of tlie fire at the Druids’ Hall on March 8. As a slight token of appreciation of the good work done it was the wish o'f the lodge that the brigade should be accorded a social hour, and with that object th? firemen were handed' a sumptuous supper, which was straightaway partaken of. In thanking the lodge fo'r its generous donation Superintendent Moore said that tne brigade was ever willing and ready to be ef service to the community, and carried put its work without a thought of reward. During tlie evening Senior-Fireman W. E. Ward presented a gold bar to Superintendent Moore- in recognition of 31 years’ efficient and active service. It making the presentation Fireman Ward said that tlie coveted bar was an honour that did not fall to tlie lot of many firemen, and tlie brigade, as well as tlie citizens of Paeroa, should be very proud of the splendid service rendered by tlie superintendent. It was the earnest hope that the recipient would long be spared to- wear the decoratton and. continue to be of service to the community. Younger firemen could not do better than follow the splendid example set by Superintendent Moore. His record had been recognised and euolgistically referred to by tlie United Fire Brigade’s Association, which had expressed pleasure and pride w-hen forwarding the decoration far presentation. The health of Superintendent Moore was enthusiastically honoured, and several members added their congratulations. In responding Superintendent Moore said that he was indeed proud 'of the honour conferred on him, and expressed his thanks to the members for their kindly references. In referring to the splendid team that it was his privilege to command he said that he never expected a fireman to g-' where lie would not go himself, and possibly that was one reason why he liad won their respect and confidence.

Tlie presentation af a five years silver service medal was made to Fireman A. Scott, who. had joined the brigade as a messenger. The superintendent paid a tribute to the manly qualities and enthusiasm of the recipient, and in congratulating him said he hoped that he would continue to render efficient service and carry on until, he won the gold star for 25 years’ service.

A short toast-list, interspersed with musical items, then followed.

In supporting Fireman Ward’s proposal o'f tlie toast of the Press Superintendent Moore said that Mr W. D. Nicholas had been one of the first numbers of the now defunct Paeroa Fire Prevention Committee, and as such had been a loyal and clearviswned man and one who had done a great deal of good for the local brigade.

Other toasts honoured were “The Druids’ and Oddfellows’ Lodges,” Fireman Scott,” and “The Visitors.”