FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 225, 3 October 1879, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.

The annual dinner of the Nelson Fire Brigade took place in the Masonic Hall last night, wheu there was a large gathering, about sixty being present. The chair was occupied by His Worship tho Mayor; Oswald Curtis, Esq., filled the vice-chair. A capital spread was provided by Host Tregea and after this bad been done full justice to' the usual loyal toasts were honored, and drank with much enthusiasm. The Vice Chairman th&i gave the toast of " His Excellency the Governor " There was a feeling in some circles that the Governor ehould be the representative of the people, but if such was the case we should sever our connection with the mother country. He would ask those present to driuk to the health of the representative of the Queen. Tbe Chaiiman proposed the health of " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers." We were proud of our Army and Navy. As for the Volunteers, those in Nelson were reported by the Inspecting Officer on his recent visit to be iv as efficient a state as any other Volunteer body in the colony. We should feel proud of our Naval Volunteers, who had recently distinguished themselves by manning their boat and proceeding in search of a shipwrecked crew. Captain Bunny returned thanks. While admiriug the glorious deeds performed by the Euglish army in South Afrioa lately, every true-born Englishman must regret the loss of so many valuable lives which ensued. As for the Volunteers they were ready to do iheir duty when required, but he hoped that the day was far distant when their services would be needed. "* Lieut. Simpson replied on behalf of the Naval Volunteers. The Vice- Chairman gave the toast of "liis Worship the Mayor and City Council." j That body had important duties to perform, and they >vere increasing year by year, aud he hoped to sco them increase still further. Aa for llii Worship the Mayor he had carried out the duties pertaining to the ofllca in a most satisfactory manner. Mr Dodson returned thanks. If his humble efforts to carry out the functions of the office of Mayor were appreciated by the citizens, he could only say that he was most happy to do everything that lay in his power for the welfare of the town. His terni of ofiic ) was drawing tp a close, and he should like to sec it filled by some one else, but he would take care that it did not go begging, for rather than it should do so he would take it himself again. The Chairman then proposed thn toast of the eveuiug, that of "The Nelson Volunteer Eire Brigade." That body was a great credit lo the town, and it was satisfactory to know that their services were appreciated by tho public. For his part he could retire at night without having any doubt as to the safety of his property, as he knew that the Brigade were always on the alert. Captain Lightfoot responded. He was proud to find that their services were appreciated by the people. He had recently made a tour round the colony and had an opportunity of witnessing the various Eire Brigades at practice, but not In any one of the towns had he seen such a smart body of men ii 3 those belonging to the Nelson Fire Brigade. The time was drawing near when he would probably have to sever his connection with the Brigade, but he hoped that it woulp nuintaiu its present efficiency. Captain

Lightfoot read a telegram received by him from the Wellington Fire Brigade that day, in which the members of that company expressed the wish that their brethren in Nelson would spend a pleasant evening. Mr Edwards proposed the health of " Our Representatives." Nelson had every reason to be prond of her representatives in the past, although they did not pull so well together as they might have done. He hoped that our present representatives would pull together, and secure for Nelson her rights. Air Carter Webb proposed the toast of " The Salvage Corps," to which Mr Fletcher responded. Lieut. Bird gave the health of " The Insurance Agents." They had always supported the Brigade liberally, and he trusted th Vr T? D,d atill furth er iucrease that support. Mr G. Hodgson replied. He was only expressing the feeling of the Insurance Companies when he said that they fully appreciated the value of the Fire Brigade. The proposer of the toast had said that the Insurance Companies looked upon Fire Brigades as being rather in their way, aa they brought down the rates of premium. But it was a great mistake to think so. Anyone who had anything to do with Insurance Companies knew that it was much better to have a low premium and safe risk, than a high premium and unsafe risk. Mr H. Wimsett proposed the health of "The Town and Trade of Nelson," to which Mr Arkell replied. The Vice-Chair man, in complimentary terms, proposed the health of •• Captain Lightfoot," to which that gentleman returned thanks. Mr Cooksey gave the health of "Oar Vice-Chairnian," and referred at some length to the important services he had rendered to Nelsoa. Mr Curtis briefly returned thauks. Captain Lightfoot proposed " The Kindred Brigades," which was responded to by Capt. Scaly, of the Richmond Fire Brigade. The toasts of " The Press," "The Ladies," " The Past and Present Officers of the Brigade," «Dr Scaly," "The Host," and several others were then duly honored. During the evening several capital songs were sang by thoae present, Mr Pownall officiating at the piano, and the company broke up shortly after midnight, after having spent a most enjoyable evening.