FIRE BRIGADE CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 71, 25 March 1891, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE CONFERENCE.

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

The delegates assembled at 8.30 o'clock this morning at the Bowling Green, when Mr John flanna took a series of views of groups of the representatives. At 9.30 tho Conference resumed sitting in the lecture room of theY.M.C.A. building, the President in the chair. The first) business dealt with was the report of the committees appointed yesterday.

Valour Medal. — The Committee appointed to re-consider the application of the Thames delegates that a valour medal should be presented to Superintendent VVest for saving life, reported that the Committee was of opinion that the evidence adduced did not warrant the recommendation of the granting of the application. —Captain Cummin moved the adoption of the report. He said that the Committee were almost surprised that more evidence had not been produced. Very little fresh evidence had been adduced, and the Committee were unanimous in their recommendation. —Lieutenant Morris seconded the motion, which was adopted without further discussion.

Amendment of Rules.—The Committee appointed to consider the amendment of the rules suggested at the meeting yestorday, submitted their report, which was adopted after very slight discussion. Accident and Insurance Fund.—Secretary Gilberd said the suggestion was that a email premium should bopaid by member* to tho Association to form an accident and insurance fund. It was explained that this would only bo to insure against accidents at fires and practices, and would not bo compulsory on Fire Brigades.—Secretary Lindaman moved that the suggestion should bo attended to by the Executive during the recess.

Municipal Conference,—The President suggested that a representative from the Association should be appointed to attend tho Municipal Conference at Wellington. This was agreed to, and Captain Cummin was appointed as a delegate.

Fire Brigade Bill.—The Secretary Inid upon the table n copy of tho Fiie Brigade Bill thrown out by the Upper Jhousc. The Secretary explained that tho principal thing in the Bill was that Insurance Companies should contribute ono-third towards tho cost of maintenance of fire brigades. On the motion of Captain McCartney it was resolved to print tho Bill and forward it to tho brigades.

Offickrs at Confkkekcbh.—Captain Cummin asked for an expression of opinion upon the point of fire brigades sending captains and lieutenants a* delegates to the Conference. Ho considered it unwise that the two chief officers of brigados should be away from the town at the same time. —■ Superintendent Jull moved, " That this Conference is ot opinion that it is not desirable that brigades should send two chief officers as dolegatos to tho Associabion mooting."—This was noccnded by Lieutenant Morris.—The motion was lost

Next Conference. —The next business was the invitation for tho next meeting of confeiencc. Superintendent Waterworth invited for a conference and competition at Napier next year. The President said ho should havo liked to havo invited them to Christchurch, but ho did not like to oppose Napier. Secretary Lindaman also presented an invitation from llokitika and Greymouth. The Conference decided in favour of holding tho noxt mooting at Christchurch.

A Brave Deep.—Superintendent Hughes mentioned a brave deod done by George Moore, of the Auckland Brigade, whilopractising at the Shamrock Hotel some time ago with tho Pompior ladders. His brother was up tlio ladder whon an ominous crack notified that tho lool; by which it was fixed to the building had snapped. Goorgo Moore at once stopped on tho aill of the window, placed his shoulder under tho ladder, and hold it sufficiently long for his brother to spring into Iho third storey window, nnd thus hin lifo wassavod.— The President said that thia was one of the acts of bravory that should bo recognised by tho Association, and by their brother firemen in Now Zealand. Tho man must havo had great presence of mind, and he felb sure he dosorvod recognition.— Captain Cummin said thab the Association should placo on record tho bravery of the two brothers, for both must have shown presence of mind. As this did not happon ab a fire, tho valour medal could not be presented, but he suggested that subscriptions for a memento should be forwarded from the brigades of the colony.—Superintendent Jull considered that this was not a matter for subscriptions, but merely for an expression of opinion from tho Association. —Superintendent Water worth seconded the motion.—An amendment by Superintendent Jull was adopted, giving expression to the appreciation of tho delegates to the brave conduct of the Brothers Moore, and authorising the Secretary uo furnish a certificate to the two firemen.

ELEcrrox or Oipickrs. — President : Lieutenant Smith, of Christchurch, was reelocbed President for a third term. Three choera were given by those present. Vice-Presidknts. — Captain Fooks, of Ashburton, Captain Tingey, of Palmerston North, Captain Gibbons, of Masterton, Superintendant .lull, of Hawera, and Lieutenant Adams, of Wellington, were nominated as vice-presidents. Ac only two were required a ballot was taken which resulted in the election of Superintendent Juil and Captain Fooks: Secretary. — Sub-Superintendent Gilberd, of Napier, was unanimously re-elected Secretary amidst great applause and three cheers. It was agreed on the motion of Captain Cummin that the Secretary's salary should bo £25, and that a bonus of £25 be added. Thanks. — The Association tendered thanks to the Colonial Secretary, the Northern Steamship Company, the Railway Commissioners, the proprietors of the New Zealand Ambulance Record, also a hearty vote of thanks to the Auckland press for the good reports given of the proceedings. Lieutenant Morn's moved a vote of flianka to Superintendent Hughes, the Auckland and Suburban Fire Brigades for the excellent manner in which the brigades had boen entertained. This was carried by acclamation. A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded the retiring officers. A vote of thanks was also accorded the New Plymouth Brigade for the kind entertainment provided before embarking on the steamer. Uniforms. —Superintendent Waterworth asked for an expression of opinion upon the question ac to whether or not delegates should travel to and from the Conference and attend sittings in full uniform. After some consideration it was resolved that in future this course should bo adopted.

Thanking the President.— A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the President for past services. Lieutenant Smith briefly returned thanks, and promised the delegates a good time when they visited Chriebchurch next year. He then declared tho Conference closed.

Trip Down tub Harbour.— In accordance with an invitation issued by Superintendent Hughes, the delegates assembled at the Queen-street Wharf at 2 o'clock this afternoon, where the ferry steamer Eagle was in waiting to take the visitors a trip round the harbour. Weather permitting, it is intended thai; the visitors shall be landed at Lake Takapuna. Tub Banquet.—At 8 o'clock this evening the Auckland and suburban fire brigades will tender a banquet to the delegates, which is to take place in the Academy of Music, Lome-street. The Hon. Mr Ward, Postmaster General, has accepted an invitation to attend,