MABTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8780, 6 April 1907, Page 3

MABTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Annual Meeting.

Tho annual meeting of Martou Fire Brigade Wfta held last evening, Captain Campbell piTridiug over a full attendance of officers tod members. The report read thanked members for help given to officers in the discharge of their duties. Although there was additional expenditure in sending a team to the Christchurch Demonstration the balance sheet showed a satisfactory state of affairs. The Brigade plant has been added to by tho purchase of 300 feet of hose, four pairs of couplings uud ono union, giving an increased value to the plant of £35. Four fire alarms j had been given during the year, ] Donations had been received from j Messrs T. H. Brcdiu, G. Rimed man, > J. Grove and Martou Athletic Club. The attenuances at parades had been very satisfactory, which was gratify- j iug to officers. The Toll showed an I increase of four members, making a total of 33 members. Foreman Ben- | seman had resigned, owing to illhealth, and in recognition of his services had been elected a life ineiiiher The donation from Mr Max Boruhold for best attendance at parades was won by Foreman Benseman. Tho first fire brigade church parade was held during the year and was well attended, the Martou Baud kindly assisting".- A team was sent to the Exhibition Demonstration and members acquitted themselves in a highly creditable manner.- Captain Campbell ably represented the Brigade at the Conference. The Brigade was again indebted to Mr R. E. Beckett for insuring the members against accident. Five honorary members had been elected during the year. Tho custodian (Mr F. Schmidt) had carried out his duties satisfactorily and Mr F. Brice had again kindly fulfilled the position of auditor. Tho report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted: — Captain, J. G. Campbell; Lieutenant, J. McDonald ; No. 1 Foreman, A. Mcludoe; No. 3 Foreman, W. Mcludoe; Secretary, L. Mclndoe; Treasurer, Lieutenant McDonald; Auditor, Mr F. R. H. Brice.

Ex-Captain Nutt-all, of Danuevirko Fire Brigade, installed the newlyelected oßcers, and in doing so took the opportunity of congratulating the team on the excellent work accomplished at the Demonstration. It was one of the most competent teams at tho meeting and, considering the men had no high pressure water supply to practice with, made their performances all the more creditable.

During tho evening Captain Campbell had a busy time with presentations. Five-year service medals were presented to Branchmou G. Head and L. Miles, and Secretary L. Mcludoe received a three years’ service modal. —Ex-Foreman Houseman was made the recipient of a case of pipes in recognition of his seven year’s service and regret was expressed that Mr Bensemauu was obliged to retire from active service -owing to illhealth. —Mr B. M. Copestake received a'silvcr mounted pipe in caso’as a mark of appreciation for his untiring energy in connection with the secretarial work at the Brigade Garden Party.—Brauchman G. Head was presented with a handsome time piece and best wishes extended on the occasion of his marriage.—Fireman Goodall received a presentation, a pretty gold brooch, on behalf of his wife as an acknowledgement of her services in connection with the Brigade social. Mrs Goodall had succeeded in raising a satisfactory sum towards the expenses of the team to Christchurch.

A long toast list was gone through and eulogistic references were made in connection with the team’s visit to Olirist church.