Opening New Fire Brigade Station.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4360, 14 January 1909, Page 2

Opening New Fire Brigade Station.

A host enjoyable time was spent at the opening ceremony in connection with the new Fire Brigade Station, in Kenrick-street, on Monday evening last. His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. L. Somfers) presided, while Councillors 1 Annan, Hubbard, Jackson and Devey, and ex-Councillors D. McL. Wallace (turncock), and G. Sherlock, and some ' 25 others were present, fhe Chairman, | in his opening remarks, referred to the ! good work done by the new - Brigade . since its inception, they were a progressive lot of young fellows, under the I guidance of Captain Filkington, while ; •• Old Mac ” (The Veteran W. B. ■ Maxwell), a fireman to be proud of, had | imparted much useful instruction to the younger members. His Worship \ mentioned, in passing, the excellent work \ done by the Brigade shortly after its 1 inception, at the fire in Mr Williams and Mclndoe’s shops. Had it not been for the good work done the shops must have been burned, and the good work since accomplished justifies the confidence reposed in them. It is quite refreshing at the Council meetings to find no letters from the Te Aroha Fire Brigade, asking,for money, making complaints, etc. The Brigade, as at present constituted, were more inclined to help | themselves a little, and leave the Council alone as much as possible. Hot 1 congratulated the Brigade i on the successful way in which they had conducted the recent Sports meeting on New Year’s Day, which, including the canvass for subscriptions, had resulted in a balance of £4O odd. He felt sure the money would be carefully conserved and that they would not spend it 1 recklessly. He assured Captain Pilkington.and the members of the Brigade that the Council were very pleased with them as a whole. Visitors to the town had spoken to him (the Mayor) of the remarkable way in which the shed was -3 kept, brass work polished, hose and everything in order. This reflected creditably upon the Old General, Mr W. B. Maxwell. He asked those present to join with him in drinking success to the Fire Brigade. After this was accomplished Mayor Somers inserted a knife into the christening cake and declared the shed duly opened. Captain Pilkington, on behalf of the Brigade, duly thanked the Chairman for his kind remarks, adding that the members of .Brigade would always endeavour to do their duty. Crs. Devey, Annan, Hubbard and Jackson also spoke in high praise of the Brigade, stating the utmost good feeling existed between the Brigade and, Council, and that they (the Council) weie always willing to do anything for them, in reason. They felt proud of thp able-bodied young fellows constituting the Brigade, and congratulated them on their present efficiency. The new shed, situated as it is on lising ground, would prove a great advantage. The Borough had a splendid water supply, second to none, and very few Brigades could beat Te Aroha at putting out a fire. Mr D. McL. Wallace, on being called upon by the chairman, said be was very pleased to be present. He felt satisfied that the present Brigade will never disgrace tne town. He felt proud of them, they are.always ready to go out to save property.—and perhaps lives. — When he-.(Mr Wallace) was on the Council the Fire Brigade was rather an expensive sort of affair. He considered the Insurance Companies should assist the Fire Brigade, more liberally. He trusted some day the water supply, electric light, irevenue from endowment sections, license fees, dog taxes, etc., would relieve the ratepayers of a considerable amountiof rates. He wished the Brigade every success. Mr G. Sherlock, an ex-Councillor, said he was always in sympathy with and referred to the excellent work carried out by it. I The following toasts were duly honoured: cil, ” “ The Town Clerk, ” 'J‘ The Visitors, ” " The Contractor, ” " The Secretary ” and " The Press, ” responded to by Messrs JHubbard, Devey, Jackson, and'Anrian; and Capt. Pilkington, D. McL Wallace, Sherlock, F. W. Wild, Hill, and D. Wallace Junr., and Fireman Kenny (Thames). Songs were contributed by Messrs L. Buchan, P. Dierck, C. Jennings aud W. B. Maxwell; recitation, Mr Walker; while several " snake yams \ were told by Messrs Devey, Sherlock and others. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” concluded a most enjoyable evening.