FITZROY FIRE FIGHTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1922, Page 4

FITZROY FIRE FIGHTERS.

CELEBRATE THEIR DISBANDMENT. A SOCIAL EVENING. After being in existence for 18 years the Fitzroy Fire Brigade is to be disbanded, and last night a social evening was held at the fire station as a “windup” function. The disbandment takes effect from March 31. Captain . R. L. Parkin presided over a good attendance.

The chairman, at the outset of the proceedings, said this would be the last occasion on which members would foregather, as the Fire Board had decided that no brigade was needed at Fitzroy —a question wliich he considered was open to argument.

After the loyal toast had been honored, Fireman R. Kibby proposed “Fallen Comrades.” The toast was drunk in silence. Mr. W. Roch, in replying, said that seven members of the Fitzroy Brigade had gone, to the war and three of them had made the supreme sacrifice. “The United Fire Brigades’ Association” was proposed by the chairman. Lieutenant R. Bartley responded, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the demonstration held which, by the amount of training needed, made for efficiency. He thought there was more brotherhood among firemen than among any other body of men.

“Official Cadgers” was the toast proposed by Lieutenant Bartley, who spoke in appreciative terms of their valuable work for the brigade. To them the residents and ratepayers had responded liberally, which was a gratifying tribute to the work of the brigade. The brigade did not average more than one fire a year, but seemingly the Fire Board wanted fires in order to justify the brigade’s existence. The toast was coupled with the names of Messrs. G. Colson and Richardson. HISTORY OF BRIGADE. Mr. G. Colson, in his reply, said he did not mind the “cadging” part of the business; what hurt him was the disbanding of the brigade, which he thought was a downward step. Under present conditions he thought Fitzroy would be neglected if there happened to be a fire in town at the same time. If a permanent brigade staff was established, then he thought it would be a better proposition. The Fitzroy Brigade could compete with any brigade in New Zealand, and especial credit was due to Lieutenant Bartley. Mr. Kibby gave a. resume of the establishment of the brigade, which took place eighteen years ago. The water was then being laid on to the abattoirs, and several Fitzroy residents thought this was a splendid opportunity for establishing a brigade. Inquiries were made' as to what equipment was required, and it was found that £lOO was necessary to start the scheme, an amount which Mr. Kibby considered was to-day equivalent to £*lBoo. Four canvassers collected subscriptions and met with a good response. More money was raised by a series of entertainments, and the brigade was then established. Within two years all equipment. uniforms, and a bell had been bought, and later a tower was erected. It was a wonderful result, the speaker said, for then there was only one resident where there are now five. If a brigade was needed then, how 'much more was it needed now? He could not understand why the residents were not “up in arms” at the disbandment; why were not arrangements made to keep “the finest brigade in New Zealand together?” It was worth fighting for. The subscription for maintenance as a separate upit was a mere nothing; it would not be more than £5O a year, whereas at present the New Plymouth. Borough Council was paying £llOO a year to the Fire Board, which meant for Fitzroy residents twice the amount to keep their own brigade alive. OTHER TOASTS. “The Army and Navy” was proposed by Mr. E. Armitage, and Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., responded. Mr. Smith said the demand to-day was for a considerable reduction in the defence estimates, and he agreed with this to a large extent, but he would not like to see the defence scheme thrown out completely. We had the material for making the best soldiers in the world —the war had shown that. He regretted that these men had not received full justice. There was a disposition among those who had done nothing but amass wealth during the war to depreciate the services of these soldiers. Mr. Smith expressed his regret that the brigade was to be disbanded, which he thought was a grave injustice.

Mr. R. Masters, M.P., proposed “The Fitzroy Ratepayers’ Association.” He also added his note of regret at the disbandment. Though not closely connected with the ratepayers’ association, he saw the result of their progressive work. He had, however, been in contact with the Fitzroy School, which was a good barometer for the progress of the suburb. Messrs. Kibby and Richardson replied on behalf of th£ association.

Other toasts honored were “Kindred Brigades,” “Honorary Members,” and “The Ijadies.” Musical items were contributed by Messrs. M. Collier, H. Todd, H. Gibson. A. Brooker. J. Erskine, Holder (songs), Murphy (violin), the accompaniments being played by Messrs. P. Fredric and Collier.