FIRE BRIGADES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 127, 11 March 1936, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADES

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. SMOKING IN DANCE-HALLS. (Per Press' Association.'HASTINGS, March 10. Fire brigadesmen from all parts of New Zealand, representing 143 fire brigades, have been engaged at Hastings in discussing affairs concerning the United Fire Brigades* 1 Association. The conference is being presided over by Superintendent H. E. Follas, of Devonport. Mr B. G. Robbins, of Tamanga, was to-day congratulated on bis appointment as a member of the Legislative Council. Mr Robbins is a past-presi-dent of the Association. Mr Robbins, who was present at the meeting, assured the delegates that he would continue to do all he could for the service. Smoking in dance-halls, particularly those in country districts, was discussed by 7 the delegates, when it was suggested that smoking in theatres and balls should be prohibited by laiv, and not merely by by-laws. The executive is to make representations that the suggestion be embodied in an Act. The executive is also to approach the Minister with the suggestion that the Act be amended, making it compulsory for fire hoards to institute superannuation funds, and that the amount payable be raised from £250 to £500.' It was suggested that the Association take over the fire prevention campaigns which are organised from time to time. It was eventually decided that the executive investigate the position with the Underwriters’ Association and the Government, with a view to coming to some amicable arrangement whereby the campaigns would be the responsibility of the Association. An invitation was extended for the next demonstration and conference of the Association to be held in Nelson. It was stated that the last demonstration cost £2OOO, and that it would be impossible for the Association to held another next year unless the Government restored the privileges enjoyed a few years ago. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted: President, Superintendent A. Craig (Hamilton) ; senior vice-president, Sup. A. J. Bennett (Nelson) j junior vice-presi-dent, Sup. J. A. Chambers (AVajpukurau)j treasurer and secretary, Mr C. A. Osborne (Onehunga). The past-president (Mr J. J. Salmon, Dunedin) presented gold service stars to Captain R. Sinclair (Islington), Deputy-Sup. T. O’Brien (Dannevirke), Capt. J. K. McKey (Ross), Mr B. McDonagli (Westport), Fireman W. h\ Keith (Hastings), T. Irvin (Mosgiel) and E. Butcher (Palmerston North). The following officers of the New Zealand Fire Brigades and Members’ Institute were elected: President, Sup. AY. L. AYilson (Auckland City) ; treasurer, Capt. T. J. Watts.