FITZROY FIRE BRIGADE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 95, 10 April 1908, Page 4

FITZROY FIRE BRIGADE.

The Fitzroy Fire Brigade's Uaziuir I opened most auspiciously yesterday uf- j ternoon in the Fitzroy Town flail. Tinweather was fine, aud at an early hour in the afternoon there was unite a good attendance, business being brisk in all department-). The various stalls were very prettily decorated, this being the W.irlv ol tiii.; ladies iu charge. The llower stall was in a beautiful I'l-ru-co-, ered arcli. and I'erns and ilowers decor, ated the lolly stall. A ilower-cuvcre.l trellis ornamented the lolly stall, ami the standard fire brigade color, red, was conspicuous in the festooning out I lie plain and fancy work stall.' XVcdtais to s:iy, the display of work was excellent, 'tile Indies of Fitzroy coiitribuliiig the bulk of H, 'The bachelors' stall was quite a curiosity "hop. the goods nf sab- varying from a Waiwakaiho walking stick to a match. The ladies' committee is to be commended for the excellent results of their organisation. Mrs. F. C. Griffiths is president of the | committee, Mrs. J. Kibby vice-president, and Mrs. K. Bellringer secret iry and treasurer. Captain Griffiths ami Mr. Wcller. secretary of the brigade, assisted, and other members of tin; brigade gave their aidThe opening ccrenionv was pei'lormed by Mr. \V. Cutlield, chairman of the Fitzroy Town Board, who in a short actdress traced the history of the brigade since its formation four years age. Out of the original members only six dropped out. The members had been enthusiastic in their endeavors to secure success, and had attained an efficiency that was most praiseworthy. The brigade hid raised over £220, of which £3.3 was obtained from the County Council ami £4O from the Town Board. By the formation of the latter body the Fitzroy people were enabled to contribute through the rates to the upkeep of the brigade, instead of having to apprlach the County Council for donations, or to eanv ss for Biil)Beri]ition.~. This hitler system whs unfair, as the burden foil On the te.v. The great struggle had been to obtain the necessary equipment, large quantities of hose being necessary owing to the mains being laid only in the main thoroughfare. Now very few houses were beyond their reach. ' Mr. Cutlield mentioned the success of tile brigide in competitions, and the resident* had every reason to support the brigade on the ground of merit. The general fund was still in debt, and he hoped that liberality would be extended by patrons ot the bazaar. The thanks of the community were due to the ladies for their invalu-

able help in raising funds on this anil former occasions. Jle then declared the bazaar open, aud wished the promoter* every success.

The following were in charge ot the stalls:—Flowers and produce, ,\|> s L. Footc; refreshments, Mrs. .Steele; lollies. Misses Hagenson, A. Hagenson, ami Searle; plain and fancy needlework, Mesdames F. C. Griffiths, W. Griffiths, aud R. Bellringer; dolls, Miss Ivy Colson; afternoon tea, Mesdames J. Kibby, B. Allen, and Lamb; shooting gallerV, Fireman Lamb; bachelors, Messrs U. and R. Kibby. Miss K. Linn played several pianoforte selections during the afternoon, in the evening there was a torchlight procession of the brigade from Hobson street to the hall, the Glinriafou Band leading the march. Suootiii" competitions for good prizes were conducted, and the returns at all the stalls were satisfactory.