FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 8773, 14 March 1892, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

CHRISTCHURCH, March 14.

The thirteenth annual conference of the United Fire Brigades’ Aseooiation opened to-day under the presidency of Lieutenant Smith, of the Christchurch Brigade. There was a large attendance of delegates, who were formally welcomed by the Mayor and ex-Mayor Gray. The annual report read showed the balance to the credit of the Association funds of L 195 3a 2d, and of the accident insurance fund L 69 2s 6d. The Association fund showed a loss during the year of L3B, and it was found that the receipts were not sufficient to meet the expenses, and suggested that the annual subscription be raised to 30s. There was a total of fifty-five brigades on the roll. Rules had been drawn up for the accident society, and at the present time 300 members paid contributions. Eight twenty - five years’ service stars had been presented during the year—namely, Cummins (Wanganui), Cooksey, Trueman, and Wimsett (Nelson), Robertson (Dunedin), Hughes (Auckland), and Dabbs (Christchurch). Valor medals bad been presented to Thompson (Wanganui), C. and G. Moore (Auckland). The remainder of the report dealt with suggested alterations in the rules, and suggesting that the competitions should be held only on alternate years. The balancesheet showed receipts, L 544; expenditure, L 514 The report and balance sheet were adopted.

The Conference carried a motion by the Hawera Brigade asking the appointment of a deputation to request the Underwriters’ Association to contribute an annual sum to the Association for division among the brigades, instead of as at present—the Fire Insurance Association making to different brigades. The Conference negatived the Hawera brigade’s motion that the united fire brigades calf for tenders for the supply of uniforms; that of Hastings, to substitute half-welling-ton boots instead of the present bluchers; and also that of Napier, to strike from rule 8, as amended at the last Conference, the words from boot to the end of the rule.