1900 - Medals

By 1900 the first batch of 5 year medals were distributed, the brigades men having been sworn in the as fire police on the 10th of August 1895. The men signing in the original declaration were:

Matthew Keefe, Wm.G Harp, Ernest James, E.William Savage, John Scott, George Blandford, Geo.Strude, CS Cave, T Scott, Edward Howe and C Shaw.

11 August 1900

DEVONPORT FIRE BRIGADE CONCERT

A grand concert was given last evening at the Foresters' Hall, Devonport, by the members of the Devonport Volunteer Fire Brigade, under the patronage of the Mayor and councilors of Devonport.  The attendance was large, and all the items were received with hearty applause.  During the evening the Mayor (Mr. J.C. Macky) presented the five year service medals of the brigade, the recipients being Captain Strude, Junior Foreman G. Blandord, and Firemen W.G. Harp, Steward Care, and Ernest James. A three years' service certificate was also presented to Fireman Jas. Gasson, and Fireman W.J. Wayte was the recipient of a silver bar in recognition of his completion of 23 years' service as a fireman.  On completing a service of 25 years Fireman Wayte will be entitled to a gold star medal.  In making the presentation, the Mayor eulogised the efficiency of the brigade and trusted they would all attain the distinction achieved by Fireman Wayte, and do good service in their cause.  The concert was interspersed with kinematographic views relating to the Boer war, the machine being manipulated by Messrs. Cooper and Macdermott.  The musical programme was as follows:- Song, "Queen of the Earth," Mr W. Ingham; song, "The Young Brigade," Mrs D. Harvey; song "Ma Curly-headed Babby," Mrs. Boylan; song, "Romany Lass," Mr A. Ford; song, "King's Own," Miss Gelston; Mr. Doyle gave a fancy club swining exhibition, and Mr. Newman danced a hornpipe.  A recitation by Mr. R. Potter entitled "The Amateur Rider," was well received but the feature of the programme was a song, "The Bubonic Rat," by the energetic secretary, Mr W.G. Harp, who created much amusement with his topical hits.  Mr. Alf. Bartley efficiently played the accompaniments.

Devonport Council Scrapbooks V p103