THE following article was reported in the Port Macquarie News on October 20, 1964.
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Preceding the official opening of the NSW Volunteer Fire Brigade's demonstration, a spectacular march of helmeted firemen stretched more than the full length of Horton Street yesterday afternoon.
The official opening was performed by His Excellency, the Governor of NSW, Sir Eric Woodward.
Led by Port Macquarie brigade and the Municipal Band, the march was watched by several thousand people along the route, and disorganised traffic for half an hour or so.
Wauchope Salvation Army provided a second band, and the marchers had music all along the line.
When they assembled in West Port Macquarie Park for the official opening and inspection by the Governor, the massed brigades provided the most spectacular scene Port Macquarie had seen for many a day.
There were 430 personnel from 66 brigades, which came from many and distant parts of the State.
The organisers were very happy with the response, for although the number of brigades was down on the Wagga attendance, personnel were up.
District officer and ground director J. R. Butcher said in nearly every case brigades had sent a larger number of men.
The ground is in tip-top shape for the event, and after one long-standing record going by the board so early in the week many new records are expected to be set.
Firemen had arranged a very attractive official dais, well bedecked with young Norfolk Island pines, and there could be no mistaking the local theme.
The chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Mr B. F. Andrews, and Mrs Andrews, met Their Excellencies on their arrival at the demonstration.
Mr Andrews told the gathering how proud and pleased he was on behalf of all the men assembled - and those remaining on call at home - to welcome the distinguished visitors.
Joining in the welcome, Mr L. C. Jordan, M.L.A., Member for Oxley, said he had asked Police Inspector Scott had he any qualms from a security angle with the Governor's visit and his answer had been "none at all." And that is how we like it to be, he said.
Mr Jordan said he was pleased to have heard His Excellency, the head of the State, enthuse about Port Macquarie.
You don't want much higher commendation than that, he said.
As the parliamentary representative for this area, he was happy to extend welcome to Their Excellencies and wish them a happy stay.
His Excellency, Sir Eric Woodward, before officially declaring open the demonstration, said thank you on behalf of himself and his wife for "your very friendly welcome to Port Macquarie."
It is a great occasion for us, too, he said; to see this unusual spectacle under such ideal conditions - on the kind of day you would have chosen yourselves.
I assure you in return, he said, we are looking forward as much as anyone here to witnessing some of your events.
The spectacle emphasised the significance and importance of the work of these volunteers who stood by for 24 hours a day. Those who gave up their time to become more proficient filled the tremendous need for the volunteer.
Fighting fires is an art, said His Excellency, for each fire had to be treated differently.
There were 2500 volunteer firemen in NSW and he could not wish for a better opportunity than this to voice appreciation for the services they rendered.
Brigades were made up of odd people, and by "odd" he didn't mean someone halfway up the wall, but odd in that they came from all walks of life - from industry, commerce, farms, and the like, said His Excellency.
He said it would be impossible to estimate the savings of life and property over the many years the brigades have functioned.
In giving a sense of security to the community, they give their time and effort to a practical cause, said His Excellency.
In this really wonderful setting there will be a great deal of keen competition after months of training.
This you will see reflected in speed and efficiency, he said.
To the 66 brigades from distant parts of New South Wales, His Excellency said he knew they would be given the warmest of welcomes to this beautiful and historic resort; he hoped, too, that the interstate visitors would enjoy their stay.
Win or lose, he said, all those competing can be assured that their efforts would be a stimulus to others and a further contribution has been made to the cause of fire prevention.