FIRE BRIGADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1917, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADE.

INTERESTING REMINISCENCES. Secretary Henry Ford, who was presented by the New Plymouth Fire Brigade on Tuesday evening with a roller top desk and medal in commemoration of his 25 years' service in the brigade, gave some interesting reminiscences In his reply. He said he first remembered the fire brigade in May 1885, when nearly half the town was destroyed, at least, the damage included eighteen buildings), the loss being over £20,000. In those days competition? were a big feature, and traffic used to be stopped to enable teams to practice in Devon Street. He took keen interest !n these competitions and also in the work of the brigade. When IS he thought of joining the brigade, but left it for a year or two. Numerous incidents had happened since he joined in, 1801. The station was then a little building in Brougham Street. Some of the officials were Caplain Ma-her, Lieutenant C. E. Bellringcr, Second-T.ieutenant H. Kively, Foreman F. -T. Bellringcr, Secretary 11. Ainsworth, Firemen .T. Harvey. .1. Ahern, J.WWar,5 r , A. I.eyland. G. Cook, J. Roberts, A. Cleland, P. Bellringer F. Hammond, A. Kivc'.l, E. Stanley. Practically the superintendent was the only active member left. The arnual meeting was ncld in the council station. They had one reel and two manuals, but still they seemed to hold their own when a fire occurred. The street was opened and they had to shift, goIn" into a stable, which was not a forward step. An annual ball wis held, the late Mrs. Goidwater having charge In 18.92 they purchased the site of the old station paying £IOO, of which the Borough p:iid £7O and the brigade £1)0, Lieutenant C. E. Bellringcr was tlicn made captain and the second-lieutenant was dispensed with After some trouble the Borough Council in April 1894 placed £350 on the estimates to build a fire station. They then "got rid of their manuals, which he understood were still doing duty. In April 18!)f> the first meeting was held, in the new station, and Captain C. J. Bcllriger was elected superintendtnt. In 1901 Mrs. Dockrill took charge of the annual ball, which considerably helped in the finances. The East End site .was also secured in that year. In 100(1 the Fire Board was formed, and though this perhaps had its faults they would otherwise never have been in the position they were in today. Previously it was : a struggle to 'keep the brigade going, 'and the secretary's pqsition was no sinecure as he had to.collect from 140 honorary members. As far as the rolls went, he would claim a record as he had 780 presents and 11 absents. On two occasions lie was laid up. This -was a record tint could not be beaten, lie thought. lie had never been absent from a meeting,. and only from fires where he was out of hearing." He could also claim a. record as regards representing the'brigade at competitions. It used to be hard work as the teams always went away with the intention of winning and always upheld the honour of the brigade In conclusion be thanked members for their valuable present.