FIRE BRIGADE FUNCTION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 478, 30 May 1919, Page 1

FIRE BRIGADE FUNCTION.

A very pleasant function, under the auspices of the Otahuhu fire brigade, took place in the Masonic hall last week. The function took the form of a smoke concert, and was arranged to give a " welcome home " to two members of the brigade, who have recently arrived from the front. The seating accommodation of the hall was taxed to its utmost capacity, and programme provided of toasts and musical items was greatly appreciated by the large audience. The chair was taken by the Captain of the brigade (Mr J. Wilson), and beside him were the Mayor (Mr A. McDonald), and the guests of the evening—firemen David Carson and Arthur Hesket. In a bri eft address, the Chairman formally welcomed the* two returned firemen in well-chosen words. The toast of the evening was entrusted to Mr R L Absolem, who emphasised the noble work performed by the boys of the borough, of which the two whom they were honouring that evening had taken their share. The Mayor, in subscribing his quota to the heroic deeds of the boys who fought our country's battles, welcomed them back in the name of the citizens. He knew, he stated, that they had done their duty whilst away, and he hoped they had come bsck to do their duty as citizens.

During the course of the evening, the Chairman announced that an opportunity would be taken later to provide a fitting welcome to all ihe boys of the town when they haye arrived.

The toasts and songs were as follows:—"Army ari'l Navy," Mr \V. Wells ; selection, Fireman Mdvor ; song, Mr R. L Absolem; reph " Army and Navy," Lieut N - Todd ; sontf, Mr H08W0II; recitation, Mr \V Rowe: toast, " T T nited Fire Brigade-* Association,'* Mr R Todd ; reply, Uapt \ViU >n ; sons?, Mr W. J Dm uisori; musical demonstration with bone*, Mr C. Ayres: eong, Mr W Reel; song, Mr P. Madjgan An amusing contribution to the pr.i gramme was a sony; sung by Mr F Woods, and written by Mr J, Gillie, of Orahuhu, the words of which were couched in appropriate terms to the boys of the town. Of its kind, the social was one of the most successful ever held in the township, and was brought to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem