FIRE BRIGADE ANNUAL DINNER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 104, 23 April 1908, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADE ANNUAL DINNER

The annual dinner of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade was held on Tuesday evening, about forty-live sitting! down to an excellent repast served at the Trocadero. Captain Bellringer presided. On his right was the Mayor (Mr E. Doekrill), Mr. 11. Okev. M.P.. lieiug on his left. The Hav.era Brigade was represented by- Mr. B. C. Bobbins, and the Waipawa Brigade hv .Mr. dull.

During the evening the Mayor presented prizes won at the competitions on Good Friday morning, as under:—Novice event, Fireman Prior; two-ni;ii event. Firemen Sadler and Tern pero; three-men event, Foreman Clarke. Firemen Prior and Tepcro: silver cup (presented by Messrs Mennil and Way, Auckland, for annual competition lie tween the central, east and west wards). won by central ward (Foreman Roberts). In replying to tlie toast of Parliament. Mr. Okey. M.P., spoke of the legislation parsed last year of interest to fire brigades. The Bill would lie welcomed by brigades, insomuch that beg ging for funds would be greatly diminished.

In proposing the toaM of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade, the Mayor pre-faei-d his remarks by congratulating the brigade on its excellent work and achievements, In colonial competitions the Brigade had always distinguished itself and in the honor lists was well forward. He was pleased to see that the young members of late rears had contributed largely to the ' brigade -j success. Citizens were and should be justly proud of its volunteer fire-light-ers. In the past tlie Borough Council hail not Wn able to suMdi'se the institution to any great extent, but the public liild always given a hearty re-spon-e when the brigade's funds needed renleni-hiiij;. 11,. was pleased to state that when the ncwl> -appointed ISoad had ::ppp»a<'li4'il the brigade re remuneration lor service,., the brigade courteously elected In remain a volunteer l«xlv. Tin- was i, mi .], appreciated bv the Hoar.!, and he tru-led that at the end "I the year the Hoard would have ni cause lor n.in|il.iiul.

I apt. IWlringer. in a capable speech. rc.spon.lcd ami gave an interesting sketch of tlie brigade's hi-|orv and working. -His Worship the Mavor and Councillors.-' was proved |, v U.uienant lioon. ami Mr. Dockrill. in respond ing. paid a tribute 1.. the esisliiv,' Council, which he characterised as a 'careful, straightforward and capable body of men who had no axes to grind, but' who worked for the common weal of the burgesses whom they so capablv represented, lie spoke of the long'associatioir ho had had with tlie Council, and detailed the iiuiiiv improvements that had liecn elfeeled f„r the comfort, health, and protection of the town, lie said that at the present time the finances of the borough were in a most satisfactory condition.

Councillor Boon also responded, stating that while the Mayor had eulogised the Council he had not told them what lie himself had done. The speaker expressed regret that Mr. Dockrill had decided to resign from the Council. As the director of' the town's affairs, that gentleman had worked hard and conscientiously, and was ever ready to Impart his staid, common-sense and knowledge of matters winch at times were conflicting to those councillors who had not had the long service necessary to put them in touch with matters.

"United Fire Brigades' Association," proposed by Fireman Ford and respond eil to by ex-Presidents .lull (Waipawa) and B. C. Bobbins (Ilawera).

The toast of "Ex-Fireman Cork," proposed by the chairman, was responded to by Mr. Cork, who formerly belonged to the brigade and whose residence is now in Durban, South Africa. Other toa*fc> honored were "The New Plymouth Fire Board." "The lame-.' -Tlie Musicians." "The Press." and 'Our Host."

Tin- following gentlemen contributed -oiig-:-Me-i> Harri-, M. MrF.wcu. Mc-l-aai~. ami Fireman Courtney. Mr. B, Mcl'.uen pr.-idc,l at the piano. Au entertaining recitation \va- given bv Mr. •lull. "Cod Save the King'' and "Auld Ulug Syne" were -ung and the gathering di-perscd.