GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1938, Page 7

GREYTOWN

FIRE BRIGADE RE-UNION. SUPT- GATES FAREWELLED. (“Times-Age” Special.) The Fire Brigade Hall was packed on Saturday night when the Greytown Brigade held a reunion and farewell to Superintendent W. J. Gates. After the Loyal toast had been honoured Superintendent Gates welcomed the visitors who were present from Masterton, Carterton, Featherston, Martinborough, Upper Hutt, Eketahuna, Dannevirke and Wellington. The Mayoi (Mr A. W. Horton) and members of the Greytown Borough Council also attended * In proposing the toast of the United Fire Brigades’ Association Superintendent 'Wakelin, of the Carterton Brigade, paid a tribute to the _ work done by Superintendent Gates in the interest of the fire service. Superintendent Hewitson, of Martinborough, endorsed the remarks of the proposer. Deputy W. Wood proposed the health of the Greytown Borough Council. In acknowledging the toast, Mr Horton expressed the regret of the citizens of Greytown at the impending departure of Superintendent Gates. He stated that Mr Gates had taken an active interest in the welfare of the community. His 39 years’ service in the brigade demonstrated his wonderful character. Mr Horton also stated that MiGates had served one term as a borough councillor and at the election topped the poll. The toast of the ex-members and honorary members was proposed by Superintendent Gates. He stated that he was delighted to see so many of both bodies present. Mr A. Coe, of Dannevirke, an old member of the brigade, expressed his pleasure at being able to be present. Mr H. C. Trotman, an old officer of the brigade, paid a tribute to the retiring superintendent. The Mayor then presented the honours due to members as follows:— Three years’ certificate, to Foreman W. Dunn; 5 years’ medal to Foreman B. Workman; 2-year bar, 21 years’ service, to Supt. J. Wood; 2-year bar, 23 years’ service, to Station Officer W. Gray; 2-year gold bar, to Supt. W. Gates, maxing 39 years’ service. Supt. Gates, then installed his successor, Supt. James Wood. ' Supt. Gates stated that after controlling the brigade for so long it was hard to hand over, but he felt that his successor was well fitted to assume this imporant office. He asked the citizens and members of the brigade to give their support to the new superintendent. He asked Superintendent Wood to accept his whistle which had been used at every fire for many years. Superintendent Wood said that his first duty was to present his old chief with an inscribed stop-watch as a token of esteem from present and past members of the brigade. The secretary, Mr H. G. Carter, stated that Superintendent Gates had been elected a life member of the Greytown Brigade, and pinned on his breast a life member’s badge. Mr Carter said the records of the brigade showed that Supt. Gates had attended and answered the roll call 1242 times and fought 86 fires. The toast of the ladies was proposed by Fireman Dunn and responded to by Mr H. Matson. The toast of the Press was proposed by Secretary Carter, who expressed the thanks of the brigade for the support given by the Press. Mr R. G. Vile responded on behalf of the Press. Supt. R. Wakelin, of Carterton, proposed the toast of the Greytown Brigade, and paid a tribute to the splendid record of the brigade' in fighting fires. He expressed the opinion that the saving of the Foresters’ Arms Hotel would have been a credit to any city brigade. During the evening items were rendered as follows: —Mr A. Carter, piano and piano accordion items; Maori trio by Rewi Bros; Mr Muir, mouth organ solo; Mr E. Graham, elocutionary items; Mr W. Andrews, comic songs.

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a close a pleasant evening and was. a fitting farewell to a worthy citizen.

Women’s Division. The Grey town branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held a social in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday evening, when a large and representative gathering attended, visitors being present from all over the Wairarapa. Mrs R. Beu, president of the branch, expressed her pleasure at seeing so many present. During the evening a competition was held and the winners were Mrs Raison and Mr McKenzie. Mesdames H. Farley and T. R. Ingley contributed songs and Miss N. Bouzaid supplied the music for the dances. A Painful Accident. A painful accident was suffered by Mrs Corkery, wife of the proprietor of the Foresters’ Arms Hotel. The trap door to the cellar had been left open and Mrs Corkery fell through the opening, breaking a leg.