FIREMEN FRATERNISE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 267, 21 April 1915, Page 5

FIREMEN FRATERNISE.

j BRIGADE HAS A NIGHT OFF, At the conclusion of the annual meet* ing of the New Plymouth Fire BiijHgSr last night the firemen and a numflK of guests spent a social evening at the station, which had been tastefully decorated by Custodian Doug'ity with flags and lanterns. Here were several tables temptingly spread with various dainties, and two or three hours were spent in song and story. Throughout the even* ing, however, the motor-engino, with it! brass dazzling bright, occupied a prominent position, andj with the firemen already uniformed, showed that even in the midst of play a sudden call to duty would be promptly obeyed. Superintendent Hellringer presided, having on his right Captain Griffiths, of the Fitzroy Brigade, and on liig left Lieutenant G. Cock, a life member of the local Brigade. The proceedings opened with the singing of "God Save the King" and the rendering of "The Marseillaise.''

After justice had been done to the good fare provided by Mr. Wooller, Ihe company duly honored "The King," proposed by the chairman. The "United Fire Brigades Association" was proposed by Captain Griffiths. In responding, the chairman gave a brief outline of the work of the UJF.B.A,, which had been established for 3B years and now had affiliated to it 133 brigades, extending from the North (Jape to the Bluff. Its chief objects were ■ to insure the efficiency of the brigades, and for that purpose competitions under difficult tests were held biennially, and 90 brigades competed in these at Tiniaru last year; and to assist members in ease misfortune should befal them, Last year five appeals were made on this account and good sums were realised. (Members could feel proud of the fact that no less than 200 members. had volunteered to assist the Empire in its hour of need. (Applause.) The U.F3JL had decided that these men should be able to count the service at the- front towards their long service medals. He referred to the decoration last year of Fireman Roberts with a gold star for 25 years' service. "The Army and Navy" was proposed by Lieutenant Boon, who referred to his experience of the training at Trenthaoi, and stated that this systematic training was undoubtedly responsible for ihe suecess we were ,u present achieving. Referring to the navy he said that Britain's Navy had command of the seas at present, and this waß likely to continue.

Captain A. Gray, in responding, said! that the speed with which Lord Kitchener had obtained the numbers of men he had sent to the front spoke volumes for the success of the system that had been in vogue at Home and in the Dominions during the past few years. The Territorials in Now Zealand had at times ibeen laughed at as ''toy; soldiers," but in times like these both Territorials and old Volunteers showed that they knew hew to "play the game." (applause.) "The Officers" was proposed "by Superintendent Bellringter, who reiterated that the success of the Brigade was due to its excellent officers, and that this was shared by the rank and file was sfiown by the compliment they had paid the officers by re-electing them all. He paid a special tribute to the work ef two custodians. Referring to Cui» * todian Bounty's care of the motor, which was admired by all visitors' t» New Plymouth, he said he hoped that Mr. IJoughty would have charm of the new engine. He paid a special tribute to Mrs. Doughty, whose work in th« interests of the brigade wag deserving ~ of eulogy;. 'The firemen would particularly appreciate the cup of coffee which, through her thoughtfulness, was always ready) for them after fires and practices. Referring to Custodian Lambert, the chairman said that his chief regret wat

that the re-orgaiiisation necessitated his services being dispensed with. Custodia Lambert was too good a man to lose) and the chairman hoped arrangements could be made whereby his lo9s would only >be temporary. The various officers briefly responded. ( } %l "The Taramiki Provincial Fire Brigades' Association" was proposed by Fireman H. H. Ford. Captain Griffith, president of the Association, responded. ( Other toasts were: "The Musicians," "The Caterer," "The Ladies," "The Press," and "The Chairman." In responding to tho toast of his health, Superintendent Bellringer thanked the members for their hearty response, which, he said, had a sincere ring in it. Members had shown their confidence itt him by placing their liveß in his hands for many years past, and he was pleased to say that never had a life been lost at a lire. One man, however, could sot -make a brigade, and if it were not for the support accorded by the officers the brigade would not have reached its effieient statj. An excellent programme of musical items was sandwiched between the I speeches, and every performer was deservedly encored. Songs were contributed by Messrs Winner (with banjo accompaniment), McCluskey, Lovell, Keyes, Lambert, A. Gray, Glonnie, Firemen Moon and Courtney; duct byi Firemen Moon "and Courtney; and recitations by Kreman Moon and Mr. Farmer. The accompaniments were played by Messrs Glenuie and Keyes. Tho inging of "Tipperary" and "Auld Lang Syne"