FIREMEN’S REUNION

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20267, 9 August 1937, Page 10

FIREMEN’S REUNION

FUNCTION AT STATION. BRIQADE’B RAPID PROGRESS. PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES. Firemen and those associated with fire brigades throughout the South Auckland district gathered at the Hamilton Station on Saturday evening for the annual smoke concert of ! the Hamilton Brigade. Mr A. Craig. ' the local superintendent, presided. ! Among those present were: Messrs. IW. Bourne (deputy chairman of the .Hamilton Fire Board), F. Luxford ■ (secretary), B. F. Morris (superintendent of Te Awamutu brigade). C. W. Lopdell (Inspector of Police), F. Farrell (fire police), W. Moire (superintendent of the Paeroa brigade), W. ' King, R. McCaw and Detective-Ser-geant J. Thompson. Apologies were received from the Mayor (Mr J. R. Fow), Messrs. E. F. Clayton Greene, | J. Henderson (Auckland), W. E. Burrow, Ex-superintendent, C. Phillips ' (Otorohonga), and Ex-fireman S. W. Dickie (Morrinsville). In proposing the toast to the Hami ilton Fire Board, Mr Craig outlined I the progress made in the work of the I' brigade since the board took control, 24 years ago. The equipment at that time consisted of a hand reel, which was very often towed by any car that j happened to be available. Since then i the brigade had made amazing progress and was now in possession of j up-to-date equipment and was keeping pace with the growth of the town. Mr ‘ Luxford had been secretary of the board since its inception. Additions to Station. Mr W. Bourne, in replying to the toast, said it was necessary for the board to look 20 years ahead in order that the brigade might have the most mode'rn plant available. Plans and specifications had been drawn up with the object of affording the brigade additions the station. The toast to the Hamilton Borough Council was proposed by Mr Farrell, who said that body had been very sympathetic towards the Hamilton j Brigade and no doubt they realised its efficiency. Mr Bourne replied. Replying to the toast of the New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Association, proposed by Mr E. W. Tabot, a member of a similar body in England, Mr ! Craig recalled the founding of the New Zealand Association' 60 years ago, when seven brigades comprised the membership. There were now 144 The association fostered the interests of fire brigades throughout the Dominion and organised an examination | which seven members of the Hamilton Brigade had passed. It also conducted j competitions in fire brigade work i every second year. j Inspector Lopdell proposed the toast • of the Hamilton Fire Brigade. He ; mentioned the astounding reduction in i the number of serious fires in Hamil- ! ton during the past few years. This ! indicated the efficiency of the brigade j and of its superintendent. Tho deputy superintendent of the brigade, Mr S. W. Davis, replied to the toast and made mention of the capabilities of the brigade, which he felt sure could compare favourably with any of its size in the Dominion. I Fireman J. N. Irvine proposed the toast to the visitors, coupled with the name of Mr W. Moore, who had seen , 40 years’ service in fire brigade work, j Replying, Mr Moore said it was not altogether the older men that fire brigades relied upon, but the younger ■ members with ambition, j The toast of the Hamilton fire police | was proposed by Mr Craig. Awards Presented. During the evening the following I awards won during the year were made to members of the Hamilton [brigade by Mr Bourne:— I Graduate Diploma of the Institute of Fire Engineers of Great Britain: Firej man J. W. Yates. Two years’ gold bar: SuperintendI ent A. Craig and deputy superintendi ent S. W. Davis, 29 years’ service. ! Two years’ silver bar: Fireman W. E. Mathieson, 21 years’ service; J. Davis, 19 years’ service; Fireman H. dearie, 13 years’ service; Station Officer G. Russell, 11 years’ service; and ex-Fireman S. T. Nolan, nine years’ service. Three years’ certificate: Fireman V. J. Browne. 1 Loughlin Cup: Fireman C. Dudley. Fastest time gold medal: Fireman C. Dudley. | Dickey Cup: Motorman H. Webb and ! Fireman F. E. A. Haines. | Dynes Fulton Cup: Team comprising Fireman W. E. Mathieson, A. E. Webb, C. Dudley, and Motorman H. J Webb. Brigade’s Proud Record. J Mr Bourne said that all three officers in the brigade were in possession of the gold bar for over 25 years’ ser- ; vice, while three members had the award from the Institute of Fire Engineers of Great Britain. This included a test in hydraulics. Mr Bourne said he intended, when the new station was built, to present to the brigade a 200 years' old engraving of the first : idea in hydraulics. The following rendered items during the evening:— I Messrs. I\ Herlihy, H. Saunders, L. I Mason (Auckland), J. Battersby, A. Trott, W. Richards, K. Fade, A. Grant 1 ( songs), O. Clieesman( piano accordian). and S. Johnstone (humorous items). Mr Craig extended the thanks of | those present to the performers.