VALEDICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 September 1918, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

A very pleasant “Smoker” was lield iu the Fire Brigade social hall last, when about 40 firemen and friends foregathered to say good-ibye to Branchman Mathie, who is leaving Taihape for South. Captain Reid oc cupied the chair. The departing fireman, besides being a good citizen, has been a member of the brigade for

some years. The proceedings opened with the usual loyal toast of “The King.” After this toast had been 'duly honoured, Captain Reid said it was his melancholy duty to announce to the Brigade that two of their members had® “gone West”—D .Tidswell and Foote. He eulogised the sterling worth of their two comrades, ana moved that a message of sympathy and cbndolencc be sent to the bereaved relatives. The motion was carried in silence, those present standing. In proposing the toast of “Our guest and departing comrade,” Captain Reid said the Brigade was sorry to lose Branchman Mathie, who was one of their best members. He paid a tribute to his comrade, saying a more conscientious and hard-working member the Brigade had never possessed, and on behalf of this body he tendered Mr Mathie the thanks of the Brigade for his past services and their sincere good washes for his future prosperity. The “skipper” then, on behalf of the Brigade, presented Mr Mathie with a handsome silver egg cruet, remarking that as the recipient was a noted breeder of fowls, he would no doubt be able to keep it working overtime. Branchman Mathie, in a few wellchosen phrases, thanked the Captain and the members of the Brigade for their good wishes, and also for the valuable gift which they had presented him. The five or six years which he had spent in the Brigade had been very pleasant ones indeed, which he would always look back to with pleasure. He had taken a very live interest in his work, ; and he never wished to work with a better lot of comrades . than those he was., leaving. (Applause.), ; ; ■; , Secretary Adair also paid a tribute to Branchman Mathie’s ability and enthusiasm as a fire-fighter. The toast was drunk with musical honours and the strains of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Songs were contributed during the evening by Messrs Hunt, Stevens, Adair, Corkill, O’Connell Shute Han-

bury, and others, while Mr. Hartley presided at the piano, all contributing to the success of a very enjoyable evening, which was notable for its camaraderie and good fellowship. A number of toasts were proposed and responded to by those present, when some interesting remarks and reminiscences were givenf Captain Reid' took advantage of the gathering to present Fireman Dunbar, who is joining the ranks of the bene diets, with a presentation in commemoration of the event, which he did in a few appropriate, words, to which Fireman Dunbar suitably responded.