FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

Evening Post, Volume LXIX, Issue 55, 7 March 1905, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

[BT TKLJWIUPir — PRS9S ASSOCIATION 1 DUNEDIN, 6th March. At tho Firo Brigades* Conference, most ul the proposals for amending the rules of competitions were lost. Tho Secretary stated that out of ninety-two brigades bolonging to tho association seven only were not represented. The report of the committee, stating that the time was opportuno for establishing a Now Zealand section of tho British Firo Prevention Committoc, was unanimously adopted. A draft of tho Fire Brigades Bill wn« discussed. Some exception was taken tn 10, which gave tho Government, the ricthfc to veto the estimates of fire bofirds, ami submit balance-sheets to Parliament. Mr. Arnold, M.H.R., by request, addressed tho Conference. He suggested that the Conference should pass a resolution which did not bind fhein down to every ivorcl in the Bill, and back it up by anpointing representatives to give evidence before a Parliamentary Committee. It was then unanimously resolved that the Conference approve generally of the draft Bill. A committee was appointed to convey to Sir J. G. Ward the association's opinion of the Bill. It was decided to hold the next Conference in Nelson. The following were appointed officers:— President, Captnin Toomey (Lytteltori) ; Vice-presidents, Captains Bellringer (New Plymouth) and T Battle; Secretary, Superintendent Gilberd (re-elected); Auditor, Mr. F. W. Garner (Napier).