OTAHUHU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 338, 14 December 1917, Page 4

OTAHUHU.

FIRE BRIGADE CONCERT A smoke concert of exceptional merit, held under the auspices of the Otahuhu Volunteer Fire Brigade, took place in the Otahuhu Public Hall on Monday evening last. Despite inclement weather the hall was well filled. The Mayor (Mr A. McDonald) presided, supported among others by Captain J. Wilson and Secretary Albert Ross of the Otahuhu Brigade, together with Captain T. Watts and Foreman Osborne (Fecretary and Treasurer respectively of the United Fire Brigades' Association of N.Z.). A large number of firemen in uniform, representing the neighbouring Brigades, were present in addition to about 200 of the general public. The table decorations reflected great credit on the wives of the firemen who were responsible for the same. Songs were rendered by Messrs James Lonergan, Jardine and Smith; an exhibition of dancing was given by Master David Kirkcourt; Mr Wm Apps contributed a whistling solo; Fireman Campbell and Mr B. Rosewarne gave instrumental itemß; Mr H Burns recited; a "Talking Doll'' was introduced by Mr Kindly in aventriloquial sketch; and Mr Frank Woods contributed a humorous skit on the local Fire Brigade. The accompaniments were played by Messrs 8. Shelton and F. Woods, and Pipe Major McDonald. Various toasts were honoured. "Our Navy, Army and Boys at the Front" was proposed by Or W.J. Hall *nd responded to by Mr Bescher Bullen. "Otahuhu Borough Council" was submitted by Captain J. Wilson and responded to by the Mayor, Ore Hall, Wildman and Todd, the last named proposing " the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand'' and Capt. Watts and Treasurer Osborne replying. Mr Ross proposed " Visiting Brigades" and Capt Williams of the Mt Eden Brigade, responded. During the evening " three years' honours' certificates" were presented by Capt Watts to Capt Wilson, Foreman Strathdee, Firemen Christy, Mclvor, Bennett, Philpott, Hesketh and Miller, a similar certificate for Fireman Carson, who is away on active service, being handed to his brother. Two medals were also presented to Fireman Christy and one to Foreman Eemplay for local Brigade events. In making the presentations Capt Watts remarked that it almost constituted a record for nine members of the Brigade out of a total of 12 to earn the distinction of being entitled to the certificates. He also expressed pleasure in welcoming back Fireman Hesketh, who had returned from the front invalided.