Farewell Address with a Difference

Firemen entering through window and door gave a novel touch to a member's farewell address at a Gisborne Rotary Club tea-meeting recently.

Gisborne's retiring chief fire officer, Mr Ernie Smith, who is going to live in Napier for a while, and who is leaving the Gisborne Club, spoke on various aspects of fire safety, and his experiences over the years. He used firemen and their gear to show the differences that have taken place in uniforms and equipment over the years.

Also at the meeting club member, Derek Simpson, spoke on World Community Service, explaining to members that for World Community Week the club intended to collect sewing equipment and material to forward to a New Hebrides school. Donations along these lines from the public would be appreciated, it was said.

×

 

• 

Firemen using new style respirators, enter through the window in new style uniforms.

×

 

• 

Mr Smith addressing the meeting. At right is Gisborne Rotary president Mr Jock Corson.

×

 

• 

Two other firemen entered through the door wearing the heavy old type uniform and brass helmet, and carrying the outmoded hose and nozzle.

×

 

•