PRESENTATION TO CAPT. WHITEFORD, OF THE WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5157, 2 October 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO CAPT. WHITEFORD, OF THE WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Last evening the members, of the Wellington Fire Brigade assembled at the hall Man-ners-street, on a very interesting occasion, viz., the presentation of a substantial and welldeserved testimonial to Captain Wbiteford, in recognition of his valuable services. . His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. There was a large attendance of members of the brigade, and amongst the private citizens present were Messrs. Simpson, T. K. Macdonald, R. J. Duncan, and N. B. Murphy.. Letters of apology for unavoidable absence were read from the Yen. Archdeacon Stock, G. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R., Captain Moss of the Central Fire Brigade, and Messrs. Thompson aud Stuart. The Chairman in opening the proceedings said he was very glad there was no occasion for any excuse for his absence, as he was hero present among them, aud he felt it both an honor and pleasure to be called upon to preside on such an occasion. They had met together to pay a mark of honor to a true and brave man, in recognition of his services in connection with the brigade, and as a token of their appreciation of his worth and character by the members of the brigade, the insurance agents, and the merchants and citizens of Wellington. To Captain Wbiteford the public were indebted for the organisation, if not for the original formation of the first fire {brigade, and his unostentatious but useful career had contributed no little to the success which had attended it. They could not be too grateful for the exertions of the fire brigades, but for whoso exertions the consequence of the recent fire would probably have been moat appalling. He (the Mayor) would take this opportunity of publicly thanking the brigades for their bravery and gallantry on that occasion, in which Captain Wbiteford took a prominent part. In connection with the building in which they were then met together, they were very much indebted to him, as it was mainly through his exertions that' it had been erected. As a stranger, looking round St. Raul's Cathedral, when asked for the monument of Sir Christopher Wren, was told to “look around,” so they might say in lesser degree that this building was a monument of Captain Wbiteford s energy and perseverance. Captain Wbiteford was a man of few words, but what he had to do he did well, without “ blowing” about it, and satisfied with the consciousness that he had done his duty. He (the Mayor) had now the very pleasing duty of presenting to Captain Wbiteford a modal from tho members of tho brigade to which ho belonged, aud a service of

plate from the representatives of the Insurance Companies and other citizens of Wellington, and also a purse containing some money, being a balance in hand of subscriptions received, accompanied by an address which he would now read. (Cheers.) The Chairman then read the following address : “To Archibald WMfceford, Esq., Superintendent of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade. “ Sir, —We, the undersigned officers, members, and honorary members of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade, representatives of insurance offices, and other citizens of Wellington, have great pleasure in availing ourselves of this occasion for the purpose of expressing our sincere and grateful appreciation of the manifold and valuable services which you have rendered to the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade, and thus to the community at large, ever since the brigade was formed ; services in which you have cheerfully and liberally expended your time and abilities without fee or reward. We have reason indeed to believe that we are much indebted to your untiring zeal and perseverance for the present efficient state of the brigade, and for that wholesome esprit de corps which is one of the main incentives to exertion, promptitude and due observance of discipline on the part of the members of such a brigade. We would more especially allude to the self-denial and liberality displayed by you in connection with the edifice in which we are now assembled, an edifice in which the members of the brigade and the citizens of Wellington generally may justly feel proud, and wo are glad to think that the building itself constitutes a better memorial of your services in this respect than any mere words possibly could. “ Sir, when we look around us and observe the rapid increase in the number and size of buildings in Wellington, and taking into consideration the inflammable nature of the materials principally used, we cannot but feel the urgent necessity of maintaining the fire brigades of the city in the highest state of efficiency ; and we speak in no spirit of flattery when we express our belief that we may long seek before finding a gentleman possessing the peculiar and appropriate qualifications which you do for fostering, maintaining, and increasing such efficiency. Sir, when we. meet with a man in whose character are combined the qualities of courage with prudence and self-control, kindliness with firmness, quickness of decision with promptitude, energy, and perseverance in acting, we feel assured that that man will make his mark whatever his station in life or sphere of action may be. Such a man stands out in bold relief among his fellow-men, and in any case of public emergency weakerminded mortals gladly avail themselves of his more manly attributes, and cheerfully and confidently place themselves under his guidance and control. As a naval or military commander he attains distinction, and in time of warfare his countrymen look to him with pride and confidence to maintain the national honor. But, sir, there is another sphere of action, which although perhaps more limited, is, we venture to think, of a higher and more beneficent nature ; a sphere of action in which it is necessary that a leader should combine within himself all the qualities before mentioned, —that where the. object of that leader and his followers is not to sacrifice the lives and property of their fellow creatures, but to save and protect both. Such, sir, is the object of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade, and such a leader they are proud to believe they possess in you. “ We have now, sir, to beg your acceptance of the accompanying gifts of a gold medal and piece of plate, as a slight though inadequate token of our esteem and respect; and hoping that you may long continue to hold the position which you now so worthily fill as Superintendent of the Wellington Volunteer. Fire Brigade, we remain your sincere wellwishers.” The gifts were here presented to Captain Whiteford. On the silver salver, which formed part of a very handsome tea and coffee service, was engraved the following inscription : “Presented to A. Whiteford, Esq., Superintendent of the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade, by the representatives of the insurance companies and other citizens of Wellington, in recognition of the valuable but unpaid services which he has rendered to the brigade and the city at large.” The health of Captain Whiteford was here proposed from the chair, and drunk with honors. Captain Whiteford rose to return thanks, and said he thanked them heartily for the honor they had conferred upon him and for the cordial manner in which they had drunk his health. The Mayor here said an engagement at the other end of the town prevented his remaining longer, and he must therefore beg to be allowed to leave. He proposed that Mr. Simpson take the chair. This was carried, and the health of the “ Insurance Companies,” and. other toasts, were then given and responded to. There was an abundance of refreshments supplied to , the guests, and a very pleasant evening was passed by all present. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout, and there seemed to- be a very general feeling of appreciation entertained for Captain WhiteforcVs valuable services, and a universal desire to do him honor on this occasion.