TEMUKA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1866, 16 March 1889, Page 3

TEMUKA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

The members of the above brigade on last. Thursday evening celebrated with a banquet the distribution of tho long service medals and certificates presented by the Fire Association. There were present 13 members of the Brigade, besides a number of invited guests, and a very creditable repast was laid on the table by Mr Coira, at whose hotel the banquet was held. Mr K. F. Gray, Chairman of the Temuka Town Board, occupied the chair. After the good things had been disposed of, and the usucl loyal toasts drunk, he said they had met at the invitation of the Brigade to be present at their Bocial reunion, and also lo witness the presentation of the medals. It was one of the most efficient brigades in New Zealand, and he was glad (hey had met with the recognition they deserved. would proceed with tho presentation?. The first was a " three years cerlificate of service," j presented to Captain Henry. It was | elaborately got up oud well framed. Captain Henry made a most (fficiont captain, and he hoped he would long continue his connection with the Brigade. (Applause). The next was a medal and five bars, for long service, presented to Liout. Gentlemun, who had rendered moat valuable services (o the Brigade. There was also a five years' service medal and one bar for Foreman Surridgo, Branch man Clinch, and Firemen Carr, Weir, Beri, and Davey. After having preseuted the modalo, the chairman proposed the toast of "The Brigade," which was drank with musical hoDore.

Captain Henry thanked them on behalf of the brigade for the manner in which the toast had been drank. Ha felt proud of (he brigade. The officers Bnd men he had with him ft'ere as good as any there weie in Mew Zealand and as willing, and there could be as good a team got amoDg3t them as anywhere in the colony. Lieutenant MoSheeby Gentleman said he was the oldest member, having joioed in 1874, and once was captain, lieutenant, and all. He hid only a few men with him then, and he contemplated resigning, but he decided on getting a hose reel, and borrowed some money from the Town Board and got the subsidy from the Association. They next got Captain Henry, and everything went on well since. He thanked them for the way the toast had been drank.

The chairman next proposed 'The Local Bodies,' and in doing bo he said the two loc;l town boards were doing good work. He coupled the toast with the uames of Messrs Lee and Blytb.

Mr Blyth said he was pleased to be present. Dinoo the formation of the Town Board it had donegood work,and the streets were in better order now. Local bodies had sometimes unpleasant work to do, but they tried to do it as well as they could. Ho was pleased to see such an efficient brigade, and he was sure if required they would be found tho right men in the right place. Mr Lea had great pleasure in being present and setiDg such a fine body of men. They had plenty of bulk and body if they had the wiil, and he believed they had. He believed, too. tho Town Board in Arowhenua had done good, and it was a pity the two Boards were not one. He had been in the north and saw great disasters by fire, and it was the duty of every one to assist the brigade. Town Boards were bad if they put on rates, but he thought a rate for the brigade was money well spent. (Applause.) The chairman next proposed ' The Agricultural and Pastoral interests.' Their prospects were never so favorable as at present. The price of wool was good, and the wheat was good also, and the prospects were bright. The large estates would soon be broken up, and then they would pay a larger share of the taxation. They must congratulate themselves on the abundant harvest and good prices. He coupled the toast with the name of Ur Hayes. Dr Bayes said that although a new chum at farming, Mr Aspinulland himself might congratulate themselves on their success as farmers. He did not regret having studied farming, and having done so he had come to the conclusion farmers had not much to complain of. Too many took up farming who knew nothing about it, and more went in for reckless gambling by taking up too much land and borrowing on it. The prospects this year ware good, He thanked them for the toast.

The chairman next proposed ' The Fire Inspectors, Messrs Blyth and Coira.' Fire Inspectors were necessary, so as to undertake the direction of the brigade in the cases of a fire. H coupled the toasts with the names of Messrs Coira and Blyth. Mr Ooir* was clad their billet had so far been a sinecure. If it fell to his lot to act, however, he hoped they would do their best.

Mr Blyth was pleased to have his name coupled with the toast. If a fire occurred he belieyed there would be few houses to pull down, judging from the look of the brigade. He thanked them for the toast. Tho chairman next proposed the toast of the ' Army and Navy, and Volunteere,' coupled with the name of Sergt. Mason. Sergt. Mason thanked them on behalf of the Army, and Navy, and Volunteers. He felt sure the Volunteers would always do their beet, and he was sorry they did not get more encouragement. The Government gave a paltry £SO to the South Canterbury encampment, while they gave £2GO to the North Canterbury encampment this year. That was poor encouragement, bub they would do their duty all the same. | Trie chairman proposed the toa3t ot I 'The hon. surgeon, Dr Hayes.' * Dr Hayes thanked them for the toast. I His duties were so far not onerous, but if 1 called upon he would do his best.

' Captain Henry read a letter from Mr Woodhead, sear., thankiog the brigade for the services rendered at the fire, and enclosing a cheque for £5 ss. He also expressed his willingness to pay any expenses incurred by the brigade. (CheerP.) The chairman proposed tho toast of 'The Ladie?,' coupled wilh the name of Lieutenant MoSheeby Gentlomun, who duly responded, and said if there was a good upstanding lady who wanted a husband, lot her apply to him. He had not many years to live, and she would be well provided for. The ebairman next proposed the toast of • The Press,' coupled with the names of Messrs Twomey, Ash well, and Craze, who duly responded. The chairman next proposed 'The host and hostess.' Mr Coira responded, and said lie felt a pleasure in cataring for suoli a pleasant party. He thanked them for the way they drank tho toast.

Mr Twomey proposed the toast, of ' The chairman, 1 and said the town would be a onehorse place if they had lost their ' Gray mayor.' Mr Gray said if they drove him out at ono end of Tamuko he would oomo in at the other end, if not well watched. He thanked them for the toast.

The pro«eedings wound up with " God Save the Queen." During the evening eongß were contributed by Messrs Gaze, Aehwel), Twomey, and Henry, and the party was an extremely pleasant one.