The Hawaiian gazette., 1874-03-18
THE FIREMEN'S OVATION
F1renaen's King

Whoever may have suggested the idea OF a
torch-light procession of the Fire Department.
bit upon o most brilliant way 10 honor our newly
elected King who for so many years has been an
active member oft. The thought once suggest
ed was eagerly adopted by all the 6remen, and
each company sought to excel the Others. Its
novelty gave ample room for the exercise Of in
geuuity, as the sequel will show. Saturday the
18th instant was selected for the procession, and
though the weather had been threatening during
the day, the night was very dark and conse-
quently favorable for an illumination.
Att P NJ. of that day, Engine Company No.
4, of which His Majesty has been thirteen years
an active member, and for three years past the
foreman, gave feast in their hall, which was at
tended by the King, Prince Leeiohoku, the Off
GERS and ex-oicers of the department, the officers
of the other fire companies and the members Of
Company No. 4. 1t was generous spread, with
an abundance of everything that can make fire.
man cheerful and happy. Some few speeches
we're made by His Majesty and the guests, and at
half past two O'Clock the company dispersed to
prepare for the evening.
A little after seven the various companies be-
gan to muster, and at the hour named the engines
appeared on the rendezvous ground, near the
corner OF Hotel and Fort streets. Number One,
by a vote Of the company, offered the place of
honor in the procession to Number -Four, Of
which His Majesty bad been till his election as
EinU fOraman and this courtpous offpr had heen
accepted. This company is made up entirely Of
Hawaiians, stalwart and strong armed band as
ever manned the brakes. As they moved toward
the scene, with their engine, they attracted gene
raj attention. First came a fireman bearing q
transparency with the portrait Of the King on
each of its four sides. Each fireman wore a
badge with the words Moi Kalakaua, and bore
torch, and their engine was covered with MALE
Wreatbs and was lit up with about twenty large
Chinese lanterns Then followed transparency
reading,
d. RALAKAUA
Was elected Member Of
HAwlu ENGINE COMPANY No. 4,
Feb, Il, 1851.
THIRTEEN YEARS
This company, preceded by the band, led the pro-
cession, and took its position in Fort Street
Then followed Number Two, with their engine
looking all ablaze. There was row of lights on
each side over the brakes, aud these were con-
nected with arches of lights. By an ingenious
continuance the wheels were lit with revolving
lights,-a novelty We have never before seen at
tempted. The name of the Company Mechanic
No. q" appeared in a transparency on each side.
Its hosecart, drawn by thirty lads all in uniform
and bearing torches, was also illuminated with
the name Hose No. l." Its wheels also were
illuminated like the Engine, with revolving lights.
The engine, owing to the heaviness of the roads,
was drawn with the assistance of span Of horses.
Then came Honolulu No. l, its engine drawn
by span Of horses, as was also No. rs machine,
though the members of each manuel the ropes
and bore torches. On the front of this engine
was the most attractive transparency in the pro-
cession. 1t read,