ut Firemen to the Building Pioneering "History of In reply Mr, Clarke said:—T feel very highly honoured by havin been asked by the present members of the Fire Brigade who are with] us here to-day to say good-bye to the remains of No. 7 Ca, the jetorias. It was 50 years ago} since it was first talked about that we should have a steam fire engine, and the three hongs on the Bu: Jardine's, Gibbs and Augustine Heard &' Ca. made arrangements.to get a fire engine out and to man' it. Each hong guaranteed. 10 coolies to be always on the spot, and the members of the three hongs were to form the men who would work the engine. I am sorry to say' that there is" not one of the. ola original members here, but I: see hhere the son of one of the first members. He is Robbie Fearon, is father, Mr: Robert Fearon, was he, and one wi G.'S, Fearon, the cha zee of the firm, and the various members of hong all formed op and created No. 7 Ca,, the Victorias, In'these days there was great deal of friendly jealousy or rivalry between the different companies, because there were no hydrants and water was always the ery when a. fre broke-out. I think there were fire wells in the Settlement, was the duty of the foreman to find out which was nearest. There was the Keenest rivalry to get. the! suction hose down, and sometimes At these thing for the firemen to eat after a fire with something to wash it di T have been spared for many yet and [have seen many' changes. course 50 years ago think of motor engi nor the facilities now provided by the Water. works Ca, T would like to say one word as: regards the present Fire Brigade, and I must say, having seen them fat a few. fires, their work is very good indeed (applause). The who'e working of the Brigade has called forth praise from all visitors here. wish to you long life and prosper-_ ity, and may you be here another 50 years to see what ix going on then (Applause).
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.