Masterton Municipal Fire Brigade Demonstration.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 3050, 10 November 1888, Page 2

Masterton Municipal Fire Brigade Demonstration.

: Tho Municipal Fire Brigade' Demonstration and Sports came.off yesterday in spite of the impropitious weather. The principal events on the programme weregot through between the showers and showed that tho brigadesraeiv were equally at):home combatting- with water- as with fire, and would uot.to be deterred by anything short of a deluge! The.peoplp on tho ground did hot amount, to more than two hundred in number at any time during the day. Mr Pearson's, band undeterred by the cold find wet, I 'played ; spiritedly at intervals, and tended considerably to cheer the drooping spirits of those who were not activoly engaged in the proceedings, as well as' the competitors. The Wellington Fire Brigade teams did not turn up, ami Greytown was only represented by seven men. The Sports as a whole were carried out with an energy and determination that was more demonstrative of British pluck and endurance than mere pleasure, and all those who took part in them are worthy of every credit. The remainder of the programme will be. carried out at a future date, including the Wrestling Match of£2a-side, which is looked forward to with much interest. The publican's booth was not erected, and is was a disappointment to a great many who really required something to counteract the chilling effects of tho weather. PriorGilbert,however,wasin full force in a booth, which contained everything in the shape of substantial food and teetotal 'drinks;'fruits and confectionery to satisfy tho cravings of the inner man, and he did a very good trade in consequence. There is no doubt had it been a fine day these popular sports ill connection with tho local fire Brigade would have been well patronised by visitors from Wellington and all parts of the Wairarapa District. As it is we can only wish them better luck Hext,thiie,.and hope they will have a fine day to early out the rest of their programme. The.. following were the office bearers:—Judges: B. J. Fitton, J. Williams, F. O'Connor, T, Barker, 0, Ewington, W. Morris, Starters: T. Barker, W. Holford." Timekeep ers: S, H. Wickerson, J, Eussell, Marshalls of : procession; Secretary Holford, Captain Barkor, Foreman Broom. ■.

Tho following is a list of the events and:theirresults.:—

100 yards handicap, open, J. Jobnstoiii Gyds, 1; E. Pelliug, syds, 2; E. Thompson, ser. 8. Time, Usee, Five men steamor, for M.M.F.8,, Holford's team 1, Time, lniin 88sec. Marsh's team, 2. Time, lmin lOsec. Barker's team disqualiGed.

220 yds 'Hurdle Race, E, Thompson scr., 1; E. Polling, Byds, 2; J. Johnston, 12 yards, 8.

One Man Manual, first prize gold medal, second silver medal, T. Hawke 1. Time-i94-ssccs; E. Praguell 2, 'BOsecs.

Five Mon Manual, Bacon's team 1. Tirno 62 2-sseo,' Marsh's team, 2,7-isee. Barker's team 3,7G l-ssec, Greyto'wn i, 80sec,

250 yds Handicap, R, Tliompson, sot, 1; J. Johnston 14yds 2, 2 Men Manual (open) Baylor and Pragnell (M.M.F.8.) 1; Quinn and Gray (Grey town) 2. Steeplechase Handicap, 410 yds, A. D'Arcy, 20yds, 1; E, Thompson, set'. 2. Ladder Eescue, Foster and Check I,'llsecs, Pickering aud Baylor 2, •18 2-ssecs. Boy's race (extra) A. Lindsay 1, Francis 2, '• THE PROCESSIOS, _ In the ovening a monster torchlight procession took place, in which between 40 and 50 torchbearors took part, Tho steam engine, drawn by four sturdy and spirited horses in charge of that celebrated whip, Arthur Harford, was followed by the manual drawn by that powerful horse belonging to Mr M. Caselberg, which is usually employed in convoying the engine when required for fire purposes. It's well-known driver, lireman Forster, had all his work cut out to keep him in hand, amidst the flare of the torches and shouts aud cheers of the spectators. Pearson's band played throughout the procession. Rockets shot up into the air and came down in showers of colored sparks; blue, green and red lights were burning, and the moist atmosphere reflecting the flare gave quite a picturesque and brilliant appearance to the scene that was thoroughly appreciated by the hundreds of spectators who witnessed it. It was a decided success, and made up to some extont for the disappointment caused through tho bad weather.

PRESENTATION. . It was on the programme that thi Mayor and Councillors should attend ftt the Theatre Eoyal and open the ball by presenting the prizes to the successful competitors. To the great disappointment of those who attended they failed to put in an appearance and the presentation had to bo postponed to a futuro occasion. Crs Fitton and Perry,' two of the members of the Fire. Brigade Committee, however, presented to ex Fireman Brasch at the Brigado Station a silver medal and a handsomely framed and illuminated address, with the autographs of the officers and firemen of the Municipal Brigado for long service and worthy conduct. Mr Brasch thanked the Committee, aJso. tho officers and inenibers of the Brigade, for the handsome testimonial ho received, wliioli lie hoped .to llaiiil dawn to his children as an heirloom; Ho also expressed his regret at not" being able to attend the Ball as he had to return to Wellingtoiv by that night's train. "■'tub baui.. : ;:'.... .:':■ Inthaeveniug a promenade concert and-ball was heldiii the The.aiva Royal, but owing to which ; had ; ■ spoilt'oveiythmg during tho iko I\*tloW.diuioQ:: ''waa'nol u^j

toUslpectati6nJ3.J: TUef Tlieatre^^aa'; tastefully decorated'witlievergredM, : flags,' and picturoSj and there waaan abundance of Songs : . wore 7 rendered 7byX MPvs Wiokorapbj Jacksori.'and Gaskijl, tho music beingprovided by Miss Corbett and Messrs liuhdtrvisi; arid Tierney.7 kept up with Bpirit until an -early hour this morning,. There were a goodly, number of spectators in the dress circle,.;