N.Z. FIRE BRIGADES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1067, 4 March 1911, Page 6

N.Z. FIRE BRIGADES.

ANNUAL MEETING AT HOKITIKA. (By Telegraph-Press Association.! ■ Hokitika, March 3. The thirty-second annual meeting of tho United Fire Brigades' Association opened ill the Town Hall, Hokitika, this morning, Mr. J. G. Gilberd (Napier) presiding over 100 delegates. Inspector Hugo wqs also present. Tho president welcomed the delegates, referring feelingly to three past presidents, namely, Mr. Hy. Witeford (Wellington), who was the first president, Mr. Amos (Timaru), and Mr. Lucas (Napier), who had passed away during tho past year. Ho hoped their deliberations would result in tho advancement of the service.

The executive report was most satisfactory: Tho balance-sheet showed that assets over liabilities had risen from £537 to £780. During the year, five brigades joined, and the total number -was now 45 ; Tho Accidents Society connected with the association paid out £131 in claims. There was still, a small profit of £138. The total funds now amount to £1662.

Tho Mayor of Hokitika (Mr. Michel) was introduced, and welcomed tho delegates on'behalf of the citizens. He reviewed tho growth of tho association from tho second demonstration in 1880, when only five brigades were present. Today- over, eighty brigades were taking part in tho demonstration, and 104 brigades were represented at the conference. The speaker paid a tribute to tho excellent work done by the various fire boards, mentioning that £1700 was spent by tho Hokitika Board on new plant and buildings.

A Greymouth remit that th'o secretary's term of office be three yeai;s was carried.

A Onehunga remit, that members of the executive must be bona-fido members of a brigade, was withdrawn. A Pabiatua remit that a levy be made on each brigade for the purposo of helping disabled firemen and their wives and families was referred to the committeo for a report..

A committee was set up to report and consider the amendments that should bo mado .'under the Fire Brigades Act, so as to better tho requirements of tho fire brigade service of the Dominion. A committee was also set up to consider the advisability of providing a standard itinerary library on scientific methods of fire fighting, and to draft a recommendation to tho proper authorities with the object of minimising the risk of life at fires owing to faulty buildings. The Laws Committee was appointed to interview the superintendent of tho Christchurch brigade, and endeavour to induce him to reconsider his decision, and to rejoin the association.

Invitations for tho next conference were' received from Picton, Palmorstpn North, and llotorua. They wero referred to the various brigades for a decision.

The election of officers resulted as follows Secretary Boyes (Nelson), president; Mr. Lewer (Westport), and Mr. Salmon (Dunedin), vice-presidents; Mr. T. Watts (Newmarket), secretary; Mr. Spriggins (Wanganui), treasurer. After tho conference closed the delegates were entertained at dinner by the citizens, the Mayor of Hokitika occupying tho chair. Various toasts were proposed. Tim Mayor presented Pastpresident Gilberd with a, handsomelybound autograph album.' Reference was lflade to Mr. Gilberd's thirty-three years' service, for twenty-four of which lie acted as secretary. \

To-night a splendid display of fireworks was given. The town is crowded with visitors. Tho competition starts to-morrow. Every event" will bo keenly contested.