Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-26
ANNUAL BANQUET
Of Hose Company No. Pan Enjoy.
able Event.

The annual banquet Of the member:
of Hose Co, No. 2, was held Thursday
evening at their hall on Silver street
The event was one of the most enjoy
able in the history Of the company and
was largely attended. A fine supper
was served, prepared by the members
of the company.
Following the supper came the speech.
making, which was informal but great
ly enjoyed. Capt. James Coombs OF
Hose Co., No 2, presided as toast
master III his usual efficient manner.
"reminiscences of olden days We're
given by many of the older firemen
and many valuable suggestions as tC
the future of the department were free
ly given.
The first speaker was His Honor
Mayor Frank ReGington. Our fire de-
partment." said Mayor Redington
may be considered among the best in
the State and perhaps in New Eng
land We have had really no conflag-
rations: our fires have been well
handled. No fire department. can claim
perfection. The city of Waterville
should be proud of their department,
NIl1NH - NCli CquIPpCu. ClHopSs tQC
citizens think that there should be more
equipment but these things will come
in good time. The only thing we do
need is a Central fire station" 't.t,
II have no axe to grind in the choice
of location for the station and l stated
in my inaugural just what was. my
earnest conviction. / think the depart
ment would be efficient on a side street
near the business section. I am open
to conviction and may change my mind
If things are shown up in different
light.
las we are situated today with the
pressing need of High school build
ing, central station and possibly the
Strengthening of the bridge across to
Wlnslow and our debt up to the limit,
it would be well to go slow in our ex-
penditures."
Chief w. w. Berry stated that he
was in favor of the Hanscomb prop
erty and had always fought for that
position for a Central station. He ad-
mitted that the price of the lot was
high He stated that it had many ad-
vantaees, both position and natural.
The Davis, Darrah, Burleigh and Mar
shall lots had all been looked over
but they were unfavorable on account
of the proposed car line up Front
street The Smell lot has also been
offered.
In regard to the personnel of the
department Chief Berry stated that it
had always been good. The efficiency
of the department was second to none
IN New England. although perhaps no
better.
Ex-Chief c. G. Dow expressed his
gratitude at being able to be present.
Mr. Dow paid a tribute to Chief Berry
and told of many instances throughout
the country where chiefs held offices
for many years. He did not favor the
changing of officials at every election.
EX-Chief Luke Ivers mentioned
many needs of the department and
several articles which should be pur-
chased Immediately.
Other speakers were: r. w. Helm
son, f. f. Brann. Hugh Dawson and
w. l. Stirling.
Those present We're: Mayor Frank
Ratlington. Chief w. W. Berry, Assist
ants Hugh c. Dawson and James Ran
court, eX-Chief c. c. Dow, ex-Chief
Luke Ivers Jr., Councilman w. /. Stir
ling and Benjamin Pooler, Capt. James
Ccomhs, Capt S. L. Berry, E. F. Brarln.
John Redman, r. W. Hanson. Thomas
Byrnes, Lawrence Byrnes. G. L. Learn
ed, Howard Crosby, F. d. McAlary,
Robert Payson, Ira Cottrell, George
Dear. George Meservey. MS